Post by sycophantism on May 28, 2015 7:15:42 GMT
M A P O F N A N D R Y X
Air-Tribe territory, anything within the white-dotted line. Very open, with high meadows and large hills to accelerate speed upon, Air-Tribe territory leaves the long-legged and fastest runners the ability to do just that, with great happiness. Their camp is settled between two small hills and the biggest bit of shrubbery there is to offer, also finding home in a large, hollowed out log. On this territory, it is easy to find mice, birds, and rabbits, which make up most of the Air-Tribe diet.
Earth-Tribe territory, anything within the green-dotted line. Snuggled right against the edge of what the cats have claimed for their own, and also settled right between the densest of forests and bog, is the Earth-Tribe camp - and, while their territory is a dense forest, their camp is open and welcome to the nature around them, decidedly more in tune to their earthy side. On this territory, it is easy to find amphibians, birds, and (rarely) rodents.
Fire-Tribe territory, anything within the orange-dotted line. Fire-Tribe territory ranges from flatlands to high hills. It is covered in the sands and volcanic rock that make for Fire-Tribe a perfect home. Dotted with volcanoes and large hills, including one large hill and one volcano that forms around the Fire-Tribe camp, the fiery cats have found their ideal place. On this territory, it is easy to find fire-rats, birds, and a few brave rabbits here and there.
Light-Tribe territory, anything within the yellow-dotted line. Right in the heart of all of the new territories, Light-Tribe has chosen their territory to make up their camp, and the sacred meeting place of the Tribes; that way, they can protect it and make sure to never anger their Spirits by letting blood spill upon it again. Their camp is made up of bushes and open space, leaving them easy to find if a cat were injured. The smallest but also the most important territory.
Shadow-Tribe territory, anything within the black-dotted line. Settled right on the shoreline, to stay close to their preferred oceanic roots, Shadow-Tribe territory, besides being made up of the sands pushed in by the ocean, is also covered by a thick-ish forest, giving them the chance to still keep their air of mystery and darkness on their land. Their camp is deep in the caves of a rock formation, giving them tunnels and damp darkness to shelter in. On this territory, it is easy to find fish, voles, and moles, all of which stock the fresh-kill pile.
Water-Tribe territory, anything within the blue-dotted line. It is mostly flat, a vast grassland obscured only by the three rivers that run through it. Twin rivers separate a small chunk of land from the main part of the territory, turning that into the camp. On this territory, it is easy to find mice and voles, small rodents of prey, though fish make up most of the Water-Tribe diet.
Anything not surrounded by colored dotted line is neutral territory and is open for all cats to venture within.
Anything outside the map to the north/northeast is considered the Outskirts and where most exiles come from.
*In alphabetical order*
Air-Tribe Camp
Stuck in the center of two small hills, and surrounded on all ends but the entrance by what little and the most shrubbery that Air-Tribe territory has to offer, Air-Tribe’s camp sticks out like a sore thumb. Luckily, it is the farthest thing from being a sore thumb. The bushes that line the camp, while being a fortress to get through, also make a good space for dens, though most of these are only used for storage. The biggest center piece of the Air-Tribe camp is the large, fallen body of a tree, hollowed out with a large, yawning mouth ready to engulf any cat inside - only to introduce them to the biggest den to date. All Air-Tribe cats can fit in here, with space for half of another Tribe, and instead of having separate dens like all the other Tribes, Air-Tribe cats share one single huge den with one another.
The Breathing Caldera
The Breathing Caldera, named by a wise elder that once resided within Earth-Tribe, is probably one of the more interesting natural occurrences on this land. Three large holes in the ground sit here, standing out against the smooth bit of grassland that steams from it. Cats have often peeked their heads over the side of these holes, to try and see where they end or where they lead, but instead they’re met with just darkness - and a faint sound that resembled a loud grumble - before a piercing whistle meets the curious cat’s ears and a quick burst of hot air attacks their eyes. Thermal vents, described by one former Exile, are what The Breathing Caldera are, something not much different than the geysers back in old Air-Tribe territory. Instead of water, though, just a stream of hot steam and mist rises from it, visible and burning to vulnerable ears and eyes, especially of younger cats. This is why, despite the curious layout of The Breathing Caldera, older adults tend to instruct their apprentices to steer clear and away from it. It is a beauty, it is mysterious, tickling the adventurer's and answer-seeker’s curiosity, but the cause for the steam and why it does what it does is still unknown, thus leaving it a bit of a danger to those of the far-too-curious persuasion. Rumors vary from the holes being in-ground volcanoes, to a big, fiery beast being trapped between the three holes. Either way, no cat wants to follow its fate, and while The Breathing Caldera remains mysterious, it is not quite the threat that the Bog of Moving Rocks is and is quite safe to explore, so long as you remain topside.
Bog of Moving Rocks
The most mysterious part of the Territories, and even more, still mysterious to the former residents of this land. North of Nightwatch Forest, you can find your paws on the edge of the grass which gives way to a wetter underpaw, without quite touching water. One cat described this as a marsh - accurate, for the perimeter of the new landmark, though a former Exile corrected the newcomers' terms, adding to it ‘swamp’ and ‘bog.’ A bit deeper into the bog, as far as any cat has dared or managed to go with returning, the marsh gives way to murky waters and mucky trails, full of overgrown tendrils and what one former Exile described as poisonous herbs and bushes. There is a fog that often settles around this bog, making it hard to see inside from just peering along, if you’re not including the dense environment that surrounds you, one that hides a deep secret behind its ominous outer layer. Cats that have gone in and haven’t returned have been rumored to either have drowned or been captured by a common Exile legend: "The Specter." No cat has ever seen this ‘ghost,’ so faceless he, she, or it is to the legends...however, it is told to be one of the greatest terrors of the new land. Told to grab cats who enter his bog, The Specter kills them and keeps their souls hostage as his slave for the rest of eternity, leaving even the most skeptical of Tribe cats casting a wary glance or two toward the bog covered in fog. When asked of the name, which was set prior to their arrival, Tribe cats were met with another legend, in which you can be sure of The Specter drawing nearer to you while you’re in the Bog of Moving Rocks and you see a rock moving towards you or encircling you. A single cat, who visited the bog and managed to travel further than any cat who’s lived before, said that the rocks are instead prisons of the cats they‘ve lost; and, as they‘re moving, they develop haunting yellow eyes, those being the eyes of The Specter, watching you from every angle he can manage before snatching you and turning you into a slave like the rest. These two legends, coupled together, mark the depths of the Bog of Moving Rocks: uncharted, unknown, and unwanted territory, all of which troubles Earth-Tribe since the heart of the bog creeps into their own. Hunting along the edge of the bog, or just a bit of a ways in, where you can still see the clearer outside world of your own territory, proves abundant with frogs and other amphibians, but if you were to lose sight on that clearing and become engulfed in the belly of the bog, it is easy to get lost, turned around, and accidentally manage to find yourself traveling deeper into it than further away. Whether ‘The Specter’ and the acclaimed ‘moving rocks’ are just a nursery tale to scare kits and apprentices, steering them clear away from getting lost in the bog, something in the air just doesn’t seem or taste right about it, and the Earth-Tribe leader has agreed with the other Tribe leaders that the Bog of Moving Rocks is a danger and of no interest to young adventurous cats, lest they want to find themselves right at The Specter’s doorstep.
Caldera's Cover
The three cluster of trees surrounding the Breathing Caldera have been given the fitting name of Calderan's Cover. They aren't too dense but not sparse either and most trees within the clusters are fairly tall birches. Except for becoming something of a barrier around the Caldera and the clear path that seems to lead through two of the clusters, ending near the Small Stones, there's nothing special about these small forests, prey exists but at a small quantity.
Cat's Eye
Seated in the middle of another, smaller cousin of The Waters of Ezrael, this little island would have gone unnoticed by many since it blends in well with the back lying view if you stand at the right spot. Thanks to a sharp young Air-Tribe cat who managed to make out the odd landform, not to mention the words from a joining exile, it was confirmed that there was, in fact, a inhabitable island out in the waters. While the Tribe-cats decided not to use it as territory, they still claim it as their own, on their own, unwritten map, and dubbed it ‘Cat’s Eye’, for the keen golden-eye of the adolescent that spotted it. Some exiles had swum out to the island before, and from their tales, the incoming Tribers have managed to pick up that the island is mostly inhabited by birds and squirrels, large enough to explore for a good day, but not a good living space, as the island’s growth had not been trampled by cat paws and the tangles of branches, vines, and leaves can often leave a cat struggling for a bit. Withdrawn or curious cats, who are willing for the challenge and also who want to escape the bustle of Tribal life, can enjoy a good exploration here - but beware: It has been rumored that, as of recently, a badger has paddled its way out to the island, forcing the wariest of cats to steer away from the secluded Cat’s Eye.
Cat's Eye Lake
It is a smaller cousin of Ezrael's Lake but due the island in the middle, it has been named Cat's Eye lake. It's not very different from the bigger lake up north except for its size. The more skilled fishers can definitely catch some fish in these waters but there is not a huge amount of quantity and with the lack of good spots to actually fish from, the less skilled cats should probably try their luck at the rivers or Ezrael's lake instead. It is a nice place to relax at however, it's usually a very calm area so it's not rare for cats to take a little swim in the waters. Younger cats and bad swimmers are warned to stay away from the Rolling River though. At times, the currents can be very strong and it's easy to get sucked away.
Council of Spirits
The Council of Spirits is a small bit of land, just nearly in the heart of the territories. It is the equivalent of a gathering place, and, almost as if the Spirits had been awaiting their arrival, there are six perches for the Tribe leaders, and a vast clearing between them, filled with soft sand and light grasses, for the cats who attend the Gathering to join them. For an odd reason, the Exiles that occupied the land before the Tribe-cats saw no use for this land, and used it only for a brief meeting point, if anything, however this land is now as sacred to the incoming Tribe cats. Each Tribe leader takes the perch that is nearest to the direction of their camp, and each seems to hold a representation of that territory itself. Light-Tribe’s perch is the one in the very center, at the very top. Going clockwise, you’ll find Fire-Tribe, Air-Tribe, Shadow-Tribe, Earth-Tribe, and then Water-Tribe’s perches, all evenly spaced. As before, the deputies will sit right beneath their leaders, keeping a silent watch. This land is also called the Council of Spirits because, with it being so close to the home of the Light-Tribers, there is hope that this will be the new meeting place of the Spirits, as well.
Crescent
A strange piece of water which form seems to take that of a crescent moon. It lies within the forest that stretches from Earth-Tribe territory and out to neutral land and, surrounded by trees and thus hidden, it is not easy to see this pond until you're actually stepping in it. How it can still keep its body of water and not dry out is unknown but the pond doesn't hold much except for the few frogs that jump in and out.
Cross Path
Cross Path is fork in the river that splits the Water's of Aujir into Lifespring River (which leads into Earth Tribe), and The Wanderer (which pass through Void Tribe). Be careful, there are no stones you can use to pass over to one side or the other and it turns a bit rapid to the north.
Crystal Caverns
Several natural caves formed by erosion near the Water-Tribe camp and Flower Fields seem like just empty caves at first...though, if curiosity leads forward, a cat will discover more. The inside of these caves are rather slick and damp due to the rivers flowing near them, and on first inspection by the Tribe cats, these caves were useless and could be used as nothing except more dens. However, the caves actually hold a vast array of colorful crystals of all shapes and sizes, if you‘re willing to scrape at the walls or venture further into the maze of tunnels that the caves present. A gorgeous sight awaits, to see all sorts of gems, especially around sunset when the light from the sun enters the caverns since the gems reflect the light. The caverns are perfect for Water-Tribe’s Gem Collectors to find precious jewels for the Crafters; however, it is easy for a cat to get greedy or awe-struck, and in fatal cases such as these, a cat can often travel too far into the caverns and never resurface. Because of this, it is often suggested that the cats who enter take another cat with them.
The Divided Islands
Having no prior name for these islands, a clever multi-colored Light-Triber offered help, dubbing it The Divided Islands. Partly because of her bias to the Shadow-Tribers, and partly because of the placements of the islands, easy to see how they’re separated just from standing on the edge of the water that separates the main land and the island, the name stuck and Shadow-Tribe chose to keep it. The islands are hardly what you could consider islands, mostly just banks of sand and rock that create a niche in the smooth running of the water as it pours out into the ocean; however, the salt that washes up and plays with the sand causes little crystals and sometimes even a few rare minerals to wash up onto the shores here, causing it to be a great treasure of the Mineral Collectors. It’s a short swim from land to the Divided Islands and a relatively short distance between one island to the other. Mineral Collectors, or just curious and adventurous young cats, are often found here, bouncing around or searching for something new inside the shifting sands. Because they’re pretty much inside the ocean, when the tides are high, the little islands get submerged, often washing up new things or washing away old ones. This is also a fun game of the apprentices, when the tides roll in, acting as if they were walking on the surface of the water.
Earth-Tribe Camp
Right beside Lifespring Pond, open and spacious, at first glance, one can easily find Earth-Tribe camp, buried at the side of a large hill and mountain. Surrounded by rocks and boulders, which the Earth-Tribers wedge between as nice places to sleep, Earth-Tribe camp is probably the most open and least developed of the other territories, structurally. Instead of bothering to build a fort for other Tribes to have to battle if they choose to go up against the nature-loving Tribe, the Earth-Tribers have decided to make their Tribe relatable with their surroundings, of which they hold their element, as well as the Spirits. Therefore, there does not exist any solid fortification of a proper ‘camp’ for Earth-Tribe. Instead, while there are a few dens scattered here and there, the Earth-Tribers largely sleep out in the open, leaving them vulnerable but comfortable. With the Bog, the Lake, and a series of streams in-between them and other Tribes, who would bother attacking them, anyway? One thing that the Earth-Tribe leader did account for, however, was rain; as a result, there are long tendrils of many vines that create a sort of tarp over the furthest part of camp. That way, when the weather is not favorable, they can move to that part of their home to rest and stay dry. This is also where the nursery and elders' dens are located.
Ember Hills
One new ailment of the Fire-Tribe territory is that it is a bit rockier than usual. This is fine for the hard-padded, warm-footed cats. However, this also causes extremely high hills, or ‘mini mountains’, as younger Fire-Tribe cats have described them, and hatches mysteries as to what’s perched at the top - and how to conquer them. This should be a task that keeps Fire-Tribers, especially ambitious Fire-Tribe apprentices, busy for a while. A few of these hills are volcanoes, only distinguishable from the smoke that puffs at the top of them, and while hardly as big as the one in which the crags of the camp are centered around, or as big as the ones back home, the fact that there are, in fact, volcanoes in this new territory and mess of tall, rocky hills makes the Fire Tribers feel more at home. Around the hills, the ground and air feels warmer and a bit stiffer, as Fire-Tribe cats like it, because of the heat underground and hidden in the depths of a few of the volcanoes-disguised-as-hills. Ember Hills is a good spot to catch prey, some sun, or a nap, or just to simply explore.
Ezrael's Lake
In the middle of all the territories of the new land, drawn together by streams and rivers that connect here and lead out to the sea, you will find a lake that stands still and serene regardless of the weather around it. On windy days, there is barely a ripple of its water, and it reflects everything as clearly as if you were looking up at it with your own two eyes, including your reflection. The older exiles have rumored this place to be sacred and special, giving them what little connection they’ve had left with their spirits, and had dubbed this place the ‘Mirror of Souls,’ the waters rumored to be so clear and to have some sort of essence to it that, while you stare at your reflection and search with your own eyes, you can find an answer to something that you’re searching for within yourself. It is still and can still be called this; however, the leaders of Fire and Air agreed to rename it something else, which connected the Tribal cats to this land and reconnected the Exiles with their heritage. Instead, the Lake is now called ‘The Waters of Ezrael,’ or ‘Ezrael’s Lake,’ commemorating the Silver-Air of the second Great Wars. It was decided to be called this because of how it connects all Tribes, in some way, just as his last move as a dedicated Silver-Air was to bring the Exiles back to the Tribes.
Ezrael's Rivers
Widest of all the rivers in the lands, Ezrael's River is clearly the one the runs from it's parent lake and splits in two after the Fallen Bridge. Because of it's width and depth, all cats are suggested to use the bridge when attempting to cross it, strong currents can easily drag a cat down if one is not careful. Primary Water Tribers are usually the only ones that cross the rivers by others means than the bridge but it's not all too uncommon for experienced cats and daredevils to try their luck by swimming across.
The Fallen Birch
Once a large birch tree, whose roots slithered into the waters of the small rivers and streams formed from the large center lake, The Fallen Birch, called either that or ‘The Tree Bridge’, is a prime part of coexistence with other Tribes for Fire-Tribe and Air-Tribe. With this, both Tribe's cats can easily cross from one side of the island, into the Council of Spirits, and have access to the rest of the land around them. The birch, from word of a former Exile, had fallen after a storm, and while it’d been wedged there for years, sometimes when the rain begins to run and make the rivers and streams rise, or the mud around the birch loose, it will rock a bit under a cat’s paws, making them wary of the stability of the tree. In the time it's fallen, however, it has never once spun, and the only injuries coming from it were sustained by careless young cats who were not watching their paws. Since the base of the tree was so large around, cats can cross over in dry weather without even getting their paws wet, if they’re careful. Cats who do not have tails seem to struggle a bit more with this task than others.
Fire-Tribe Camp
Protected on all sides by tough and high rock, besides the entrance of the camp, which is open and welcome, so the fiery cats do not feel trapped, here you are welcomed into the Fire-Tribe camp. The space of the camp is large, with soft, warm sands coating the camp floor to warm and ease the hardworking Fire-Triber’s paws, and all around in different holes and cracks in the walls of the camp, varying in size, are dens. The three biggest dens are used for the nursery, the Smiths’ den, and apprentices, the warriors and guards able to find enough cracks and crevices for their own dens, with a few left over for recreational purposes. Because of the way that the camp is enclosed, it is one of the warmer camps in the winter and brings the Fire-Tribers a bit closer together than their formerly split camp, which separated Smiths, Warriors, and Guards. Beyond the dens, a cat can easily find their paws sinking into the still-soft ground underfoot as they climb a trail which leads to the territory’s biggest dormant volcano, recently named Mt. Tzurai. Warm toes, warm homes, and a strong camp: the perfect place for the Fire-Tribers to settle.
Fisher's Outlook
The ideal place for a cat who loves to fish or swim to perch upon, Fisher’s Outlook, its name kept from the one it held prior to the Tribe’s entrance, is a quaint little area with a large rock that just slightly juts away from the shore and hangs over the water. Using this, a cat can hang off the edge of the rock easily to scoop a fish up, and several fish do often hide here due to the shadow that the rock casts over the water, perfect for what they think is protection. In the warmer seasons and midday, the rock also makes for a great place to sunbathe; with no trees around to obscure the path of the light hitting the stone, the surface and the pelt of the cat lucky enough to be on it during these times of day are warmed comfortably. The rock can fit up to two of the biggest adult cats of the tribes - and, seeing how many apprentices or adolescents can fit on the rock at one time, the competition could easily become a fun game of stay-on-the rock, splashing into the Waters of Ezrael below. When not sunbathing, fishing, or playing, this rock also offers a wonderful view of the lake, dazzling young she-cats who are in love with the thought of love, or young couples who are just becoming acquainted to the idea.
The Flower Fields
One of the most tranquil places in all of the territories is found in Water-Tribe territory, under the simple name of ‘Flower Fields.’ It is a small meadow or field, each inch covered by a large array of grasses and flowers whose petals holds varies sizes and colors. The scene itself is enough to calm even the most anxious of cats, as year-round the flowers and grasses remain in full-bloom, forever waving about in the wind. In the spring, butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and various other insects come to collect the sweet nectar they can find and to lay their eggs down, starting the cycle all over again. The fragrance from flowers, in the best of times and in the favor of the winds, can carry it to camp, lulling cats whose minds are full of worries to sleep in a single blink. Around the edges of this field, mice can be found nibbling at rejected seeds, though they often never venture inside, and no cat can determine why. Either way, the small landmark is calming, beautiful, and often a place of affectionate confessions and blooming friendships.
Half-Tree Hollow
Rumors speculate that where the half of this tree had gone, turned into the large den / half the camp that Air-Tribe use currently, though regardless of where the half of this large tree that once stood here had gone, either way, it’s disappeared. Also curious is the fact that the inside of this tree is completely hollow, shocking for how huge it is, though cats didn’t bother to ask about it much as it soon turned into the perfect place for practice, games, and a hideout. Most apprentices are easy to find here, practicing their moves on the giant half-tree, and many claw marks score down the sides of it, there even before the arrival of the Tribes. Other cats make it a game to see who can climb it or play hide and seek around it, often wiggling under it or falling through the top of the tree to hide in a part of its hollowed-out belly. However, cats who would rather laze about their day or hide from duties can be found here as well, though often hiding in the darkest parts of the trunk.
Lifespring Pond
This little body of water could suffice for an ecosystem of its own, determined by just looking at the surface. Placed at the heart of Earth-Tribe territory, Lifespring Pond, named for its importance as a water source and also for its abundance in the amount of life it has in it, could really be called Earth-Tribe’s ‘heart.’ The air around it is tranquil and peaceful, yet it holds an aura of importance. In short, it feels blessed. The waters are warmed, thanks to the Caldera northeast of it, and along the top of the water, you can find lily pads floating, flowers spinning in little whirls about it, and small little bugs buzzing about, creating little ripples as they touch down on the water. Beneath the surface, fish swim about strongly, adding a new piece of prey to their pile. The water is said to heal the worst of ailments if you rest in it, so it isn’t rare to see achy senior warriors resting in the waters, despite the disgust of having water matting their pelts.
Lifespring River
It originates from the Waters of Aujir and eventually runs out to Lifespring Pond. This is a steady and fairly slow going river, smaller fish and amphibians are an easy catch here. Even during storms or heavy rain is this river rarely any danger to the cats of the lands since it's pretty shallow. Most of the floods happen at the Waters of Aujir.
Light-Tribe Camp
Light-Tribe camp, though small, is probably one of the most important camps of the territories. While Light-Tribers had once insisted on staying distributed evenly between Tribes, after a bit of even-mannered convincing from the former Silver-Light, Neiru, before her untimely death, the new idea of Light-Tribers living as their own Tribe is being implemented. Of course, these cats are still bound by their duty to help heal the cats of the Tribes, but it also gives them the freedom to move as they please, without being under the order of their Tribe leader and being caught in Tribe quarrels. The Light-Tribe cats will remain forever neutral - and this territory, branched right off of the Council of Spirits, is to help keep that ensured. The distance from the Light-Tribe camp in comparison to another is the same all-around for all Tribes, and while the journey is a bit more than just having a Light-Triber living in your camp, especially in serious instances, there is hope that this will lessen injuries and improve communication while still appreciating the new-Tribe’s needs.
The center of the camp is clear, easier to hold injured cats or cats who seek to consult a Light-Triber, and the dens and storage units of the territories can be found in the large bushes, which are quite hollow on the inside after brushing past the dense leaves and branches to wiggle inside, or burrows.
Mt. Corvo
This large mountain, while definitely not larger than the ones that border Water-Tribe, can certainly compete with Mt. Tzurai in height. It's a very steep one, loose rocks are not too uncommon either and can hinder a cat climbing its way up. That's why only the best climbers are able to get to its highest peak-- something that it's not rare for Earth Tribers to be-- others are suggested to try for the more smaller peaks that stretches a little to the southwest, unless they want to fall towards a certain death. It was named by the Earth Tribers after a Silver-Earth who lead the Tribe before the migration and the nature-loving cats like to believe that all of their former leaders and deputies watch them from its top and keeps them safe. A tall shield to give them cover and protection, a monument by the nature itself.
Mt. Tzurai
It held no name until the death of the famous and long reigning Silver-Fire Tzurai, who faced her end in the fiery depths. It is the largest volcano located in the Ember Hills and a famous landmark to the Fire-Tribe. Besides huffing and puffing smoke, this volcano does not do much and did not interest the exiles, but the Fire-Tribers know better of its potential. It is now Fire-Tribe's own sanctuary to the Spirits and, hoping to instill a tradition, every half moon and full moon, the former Silver-Fire could be seen tossing pieces of prey into the volcano as an offering to the Fire-Spirit. It is also were she would make her announcements, on the highest point of the trail that leads up to the volcano, and thus, the Fire Tribers found it fitting to name it after the Silver-Fire who had led the Tribe for such a long time.
Needle
It is slightly bigger than the similar looking pond in Earth Tribe and definitely easier to see as it lies between the border of Water Tribe and the Northern Pheasant Woods. Needle holds a small amount of fish and amphibians and is more or less a water hole for some of the creatures in the nearby woods. It stays healthy and keeps circulating due to the Waters of Aujir, whenever there's a heavy rain the nearby river might grow a bit wider and flow over to the water hole.
Neiru's Pond
There's something quite special with this pond and most cats don't even need words to know it, one look and they understand. The water is extremely clear due to no organism living in it, not even plants. Rocks and pebbles, that's all you can see at the bottom. But even though the pond is tecnically dead-- in the sense that there's nothing living in it-- there is still somehing alive within. It is said to have healing powers, not to ones body but to ones soul, and weary cats sometimes seek this place to find some peace or enlightment. Some simple gaze at the clear water, others dip their head or nose in it. For these many reasons, the pond is very sacred to the Light-Tribers and they sought to name it after a former Silver-Light. Meditating by it is also common practice for the cats of Light, and perhaps the reason it seems to hold such spiritual properties is because the Council of Spirits is located nearby.
Nightwatch Forest
A forest of the polar opposite of the one on the very opposite side of the territories from it borders Earth-Tribe, Light-Tribe, and Shadow-Tribe territories, because where Pheasant Woods holds tall, thin trees, all of the ones in this forest are short, stout, and very wide in diameter. The only similarity between the two is that the foliage is thick, though this forest can take on a considerably more peculiar and intimidating presence, especially at night. Named Nightwatch Forest, as a joke from a gray-and-white Earth-Triber, as he felt that the forest was watching him, the name presented itself and stuck there, with the Exiles stating that they’d come up with things similar in the past. While most cats don’t exactly bother to go hunting in Nightwatch Forest unless absolutely necessary, that doesn’t mean that hunting isn’t aplenty in it. Diligent cats can find a good amount of small rodents, between mice, an occasional rat, squirrels, voles, and moles. Birds steer clear, since the short trees make them an easier target for hunt, but the volume of ground-prey makes up for the lack of feathered friends.
Northern Pheasant Woods
The northern part of the Pheasant Woods. This thicket of woods lies betwen the territories of Water and Fire and is much denser than its other half that lies to the south. Bird-song is a whisper in a cats ear that stands at the threshold of it, and the dense trees that line the woods make the journey through it cooler than the air outside of it. It is hard to remain quiet here, as the canopy above is thick, only letting through a few shafts of light here and there, and leaves shed themselves from high branches often, littering the soft ground underpaw. This harms no hunter's or huntress’ efforts, however, as in this forest, besides the occasional squirrel that belongs here, a cat will find mostly birds, nested in the branches high above. It makes the hunting here a bit harder, as the expert climber must spend a bit of time clawing themselves up the harsh bark of trees that you must pull your head back to see to the top - and the cat whose claws do not take well to the brown bodies must, instead, wait on the ground and try hard to blend in with the foliage.
The Outskirts
The Outskirts consists of all lands up north and past the mountains that fall away from Water-Tribe territory. It is hard to tell what is beyond them. Once you’ve climbed the sheer path of the mountains there, the Outskirts are just along the drop that seems endless by just poking your head over the edge - however, a rumor persists that strange animals sometimes visit from the other side. Either way, from the appearance of the exiles and the land that was once called home to the Tribe cats, it is hard to tell what could be on the other side, and in cases like these, it would be better to keep your nose out of the winds of curiosity that brushes along from the direction of the Outskirts. Beware: it could cost you your life.
The Rolling Bridge
Somewhere in time, a tree stump seemed to manage to wedge its way from the now-Water-Tribe camp to form the now-Rolling-Bridge. It gets its name from its make-up, because while the bridge is sturdy and surely not to go breaking off from the two rocks it's been forever wedged between, if too many cats are on it at once, or if one cat is moving and rocking the stump too much, it will begin to roll, usually resulting in the cat being thrown off unless they run in the opposite direction as the roll. Because of this, older cats often do not use The Rolling Bridge, though this is one of the favored hangout spots of younger adults, adolescents, and apprentices of Air-Tribe. Not only can it suffice as a bridge, but it can also work as a perch for the risky fisher cat, as well as a spot for a good bit of fun. Young cats can often be found here, having contests and purposefully making the log roll, to see who will be the last cat standing. As the river that the Rolling Bridge parts is relatively deep, no injuries have happened on accord of this play, besides a heavier cat landing on a smaller one in the waters. Overall, the Rolling Bridge is a triple-helpful part of Water-Tribe territory.
Rolling River
Clearly named for the shape, the Rolling River snakes its way from the Cat Eye's Lake and runs out into the ocean within Shadow-Tribes territory, splitting up the small sand dunes that makes the Divided Islands. Due to the angle of the lands, rough weather and for eventually running out into the ocean, this river can at times be a very rapid one and caution should always be taken when trying to cross it.
Serpent's Tail
Snaking through the valleys that litter Air-Tribe’s vast territory, this little river - and the marshy pond attached to it - is the primary source of water for the Air-Tribers. The pond is rather large and provides a nice habitat for a variety of small fish, frogs, water voles, and the occasional crane. However, it, along with the river itself, does have some of the more harmful critters - while water snakes won’t try to eat a whole cat, they will not hesitate to take a quick chomp on anything that comes too close. As such, it’s best to avoid them unless one wants to risk a trip to Light-Tribe territory. This is the primary hotspot for cats to hang out of all ages, resting by the edge of the pool or splashing about near it, despite the threat of the snakes.
Shadow-Tribe Camp
Taking a few steps into Shadow-Tribe camp, you wouldn’t realize its potential until you sought your gaze along the line of rocks that block out the northern winds, keeping them sheltered from the blistering cold and bringing in warmer winds from the south instead. Open and welcome, unlike the stereotype of the cats themselves, the main bustle of the camp is found in the open circle of land between the large rocks and the ocean, which is how the Shadow-Tribers like it. Their camp is set right at the shoreline, and while this would worry some cats about supplies when the tides rise, it worries the Shadow-Tribers none, who have sought out the prime part of the use of the rocks.
After a bit of moving and wiggling through the cracks and crevices, you can find yourself leading down a tunnel that opens up to the heart of the Shadow-Tribe camp, an open circle of space, big enough for each cat to fit into, and more, and holes and little tunnels that lead deeper underground, some ending in dens and others leading deeper, to where mysterious shining rocks and the scent of ocean lay. The outer camp is just a decoy, as the fortified Shadow-Tribe camp lies beneath the sands and stones. The way that these tunnels are carved is a bit too neat to be made by time, or cats, but the assumption is that the Spirits left it for them, for having neglected their return for so long, and the Shadow-Tribe cats accept this, keeping themselves busy with either slipping into the daylight or slipping further into the darkness, by exploring the deeper tunnels. Rumor has it that there is one tunnel, full of beautiful blue gems, that leads right under the ocean.
Shatterbone Cliffs
An ominously named place, for a Tribe to take in as a landmark of their territory, however the Shadow-Tribers have adopted it as such. Shatterbone Cliffs, also a name adopted from Exile vernacular, is a cluster of risky, daring cliffs and ledges just a swim away from dry land, encased in the territory marked for the Shadow-Tribers. With high peaks and rumors of ledges collapsing, even a crumble of rock here or there between one’s paws, you would think this as high-risk a place to stay away like that of The Sink Hole, but instead, the Shadow-Tribers embrace it. Here, Shadow-Tribers fish, sunbathe, or escape the fast-paced movement of Tribe life and their move, with the convenience of staying in their territory. The view of the ocean from these unstable perches is amazing, though most of the right-minded and older cats tend to stay lower down. These cliffs also offer the younger adults, adolescents, and apprentices a daring place to seek a thrill.
The Sink Hole
One of the top landmarks marked most-mysterious of the territories. The Sink Hole, a name given to it by the Exiles and kept by the Tribe-cats, was one of the first things the Tribers ran into, and with wary glances and a few experimental daps of paws against the shifting sands, it was marked dangerous, though the curious few still try to discover what lies beyond its depths. It seems like nothing more than a large pool, except where there would be water the sand laps hungrily at the paws. It is roughly the same size as Moonfish Lake from their previous home, making a hop, skip, and a jump across impossible, and no living cat who has ever tried to make the journey has succeeded. No cat knows what lies in the center of The Sink Hole, though some have tried to perch trees to see, stating they thought they could see a dot of water, but, with trees being quite a bit away from the shifting sands, it is hard to determine. Rotten prey is tossed in and engulfed in the center, hoping to appease the Spirits, if this is their doing. Even the prey steer clear of here, and if a cat were to journey here, and test out the sands of the hole themselves, they are doubted to come back.
The Small Stones
Another bridge of sorts, The Small Stones offer a place for Earth-Tribe and Water-Tribe territories to meet, and makes an easy and safe passage from their lands to the middle neutral territories. The only thing that makes the stones a bit of a harder passage than the Fallen Birch or The Stepping Stones is the fact that, closer to the water and much smaller, a cat can only fit one paw on each stone, and they’re slippery from being washed over by water so often, so if a cat isn’t careful, they can often find themselves slipping off a stone and splashing into the water below, which is usually freezing and not appealing during the winter. However, with the few bigger stones set in the middle of the little stone-bridges, Earth-Tribe has staked a claim to them as a watchpoint, watching for activity in the mainland, Water-Tribe, and Shadow-Tribe.
Southern Pheasant Woods
It is between Air and Fire that the Southern half of the Pheasant Woods lies. It's a bit sparse compared to its sibling but other than that it's not very different. Like the northern one, different assortments of birds can be found here year-round, though the most common of prey would be the pheasant, to which a Fire-Tribe apprentice offered the mess of tangles and leaves its name. There is also something peculiar that can be found in the Pheasant Woods. It is rare to find anything but birds here, but ever since the Tribe cats have moved north and settled into these lands, there is a white rabbit that can sometimes be spotted. Just a flash of pure, glowy white, and the scent of rabbit is left behind. Many have attempted to chase this prey, however it's always seemed to vanish as they've turned the corner or burst through bushes, leaving behind nothing but the sweet scent and a mysterious, yet calming feel. Some have speculated that this is the same rabbit from Rabbit's Forest, a Spirit of Fortune following the Tribes.
Stepping Stones
Compiled of one large stone, with smaller ones scattered about it, all leading to the same path, The Stepping Stones are another form of bridge, used mostly by Shadow-Tribe, though occasionally doted on by Air-Tribe. While there is only really one main stone that is used for a bridge - a long, flat one, which touches from the edge of one land to the other - this stone is primarily used mostly for the leaders, senior cats, and the youngest ones. The younger, stronger, or faster warriors and guards must bear with jumping on the smaller stones, leaping from one to another until they reach the edge of the neutral territory closest to Light-Tribe’s. This is because the largest stone of The Stepping Stone only offers so much support and room, and cats find using the other stones a much quicker journey than waiting for all cats to file across that one, thin ledge. This does not mean that all is just peachy for the jumpers, however, as, even though the stones are big enough for a cat to land all four paws with good balance, they are slippery underpaw, and stone is impossible to dig claws into. Most former Exiles groaned at having to use the smaller stone, because once they got to where they were going, they also had to wait for their fur to dry. This also applies to Tribe apprentices and younger adults, who tend to make a race of seeing who can get across first.
Still Water Basin
Stillwater Basin, as named by the incoming Fire-Tribers, is their own little piece of The Waters of Ezrael. Branching out from the large lake and leading into the warm territory, it seems to be one of the only things in the territory that is cooler in temperature, which makes sense, as it is nearly on the outskirts of the territory. It is Fire-Tribe’s primary water source, a deep crater in the ground that they assume was formed by a volcanic eruption, which, over time, managed to erode a way to The Waters of Ezrael and fill to its brim. The waters always seem still, and it is a more tranquil and serene place, away from the heat and crags that are offered further into Fire-Tribe territory. Important meetings with other Tribes are held here, to make the other Tribers more comfortable in the new territory, and while there are no fish in this water source, and most Fire-Tribe cats do not fancy a swim, it is a good place to relax after a long day of hard work on Fire-Tribe territory, the undisturbed waters leaving an undisturbed rest awaiting.
Trees of Killian
While the Pheasant Woods are considered the brighter one and Nightwatch Forest the darker, the Trees of Killian is something inbetween. At the start, it is seemingly a nice forest to walk in. Sturdy trees, birds and critters scurring about, it is nothing out of the ordinary. The further in you go you though, the closer you get Shadow-Triber's territory, the space between the trees seems to become narrower and the ground barren. Small rays of light finds their way in and most of the leafy crowns are high above since the trees themselves are much taller in the western parts. It's good for Shadow-Tribe that the part of the forest that lies within their lands have that kind of nature, not only does it give their camp cover but it's useful for the cats that have the primary power of Shadow. It has been named Trees of Killian after a former Silver-Shadow.
Water-Tribe Camp
The hardest camp to get to, if you are not a Water-Triber or natural lover of water, and thus, the hardest to attack, Water-Tribe camp is placed on a little island, formed by the running waters that fall from the Outskirts. With their camp surrounded by the babble of the water, Water-Tribers are often at peace here, and with it not open for attack, their dens are not the strongest ones, though they often do not linger in them long, instead coming to lay on the soft, sandy grounds and catch the rays from the sun if they have time to rest. The few dens that Water-Tribe does have, however, are large burrows, enough to house all of their warriors, guards, and special-job cats, as well as a nursery between the two first mentioned. One downfall to having a island-bound home, despite all of its safeties, is a clear one: during storms and several days of rain, their camp and dens can get flooded - although, if this happens, Water-Tribe will often seek higher grounds on the mountains adjacent to their home, only coming down when the water has lowered once more.
Waters of Aujir
These waters starts as a single river coming from the high mountains within Water-Tribe, which then splits into three. One becomes the Lifespring River, the other two snakes their way around Water-Tribe's camp and then merges into the lake beside it. During calmer days the waters causes no trouble for the water loving cats, but come a big storm and floods aren't too uncommon. Luckily, the Water Tribers know how to keep themselves safe and how to deal with the aftermath. It is rarely any trouble and mostly just gives them protection from outsiders. The rivers and lake were eventually named Waters of Aujir after a previous Silver-Water. Though the tales of her last days might not be the best sounding ones, the cats of Water still wanted to remember their heritage and have it serve as a reminder of what conflicts can bring.
Air-Tribe territory, anything within the white-dotted line. Very open, with high meadows and large hills to accelerate speed upon, Air-Tribe territory leaves the long-legged and fastest runners the ability to do just that, with great happiness. Their camp is settled between two small hills and the biggest bit of shrubbery there is to offer, also finding home in a large, hollowed out log. On this territory, it is easy to find mice, birds, and rabbits, which make up most of the Air-Tribe diet.
Earth-Tribe territory, anything within the green-dotted line. Snuggled right against the edge of what the cats have claimed for their own, and also settled right between the densest of forests and bog, is the Earth-Tribe camp - and, while their territory is a dense forest, their camp is open and welcome to the nature around them, decidedly more in tune to their earthy side. On this territory, it is easy to find amphibians, birds, and (rarely) rodents.
Fire-Tribe territory, anything within the orange-dotted line. Fire-Tribe territory ranges from flatlands to high hills. It is covered in the sands and volcanic rock that make for Fire-Tribe a perfect home. Dotted with volcanoes and large hills, including one large hill and one volcano that forms around the Fire-Tribe camp, the fiery cats have found their ideal place. On this territory, it is easy to find fire-rats, birds, and a few brave rabbits here and there.
Light-Tribe territory, anything within the yellow-dotted line. Right in the heart of all of the new territories, Light-Tribe has chosen their territory to make up their camp, and the sacred meeting place of the Tribes; that way, they can protect it and make sure to never anger their Spirits by letting blood spill upon it again. Their camp is made up of bushes and open space, leaving them easy to find if a cat were injured. The smallest but also the most important territory.
Shadow-Tribe territory, anything within the black-dotted line. Settled right on the shoreline, to stay close to their preferred oceanic roots, Shadow-Tribe territory, besides being made up of the sands pushed in by the ocean, is also covered by a thick-ish forest, giving them the chance to still keep their air of mystery and darkness on their land. Their camp is deep in the caves of a rock formation, giving them tunnels and damp darkness to shelter in. On this territory, it is easy to find fish, voles, and moles, all of which stock the fresh-kill pile.
Water-Tribe territory, anything within the blue-dotted line. It is mostly flat, a vast grassland obscured only by the three rivers that run through it. Twin rivers separate a small chunk of land from the main part of the territory, turning that into the camp. On this territory, it is easy to find mice and voles, small rodents of prey, though fish make up most of the Water-Tribe diet.
Anything not surrounded by colored dotted line is neutral territory and is open for all cats to venture within.
Anything outside the map to the north/northeast is considered the Outskirts and where most exiles come from.
*In alphabetical order*
Air-Tribe Camp
Stuck in the center of two small hills, and surrounded on all ends but the entrance by what little and the most shrubbery that Air-Tribe territory has to offer, Air-Tribe’s camp sticks out like a sore thumb. Luckily, it is the farthest thing from being a sore thumb. The bushes that line the camp, while being a fortress to get through, also make a good space for dens, though most of these are only used for storage. The biggest center piece of the Air-Tribe camp is the large, fallen body of a tree, hollowed out with a large, yawning mouth ready to engulf any cat inside - only to introduce them to the biggest den to date. All Air-Tribe cats can fit in here, with space for half of another Tribe, and instead of having separate dens like all the other Tribes, Air-Tribe cats share one single huge den with one another.
The Breathing Caldera
The Breathing Caldera, named by a wise elder that once resided within Earth-Tribe, is probably one of the more interesting natural occurrences on this land. Three large holes in the ground sit here, standing out against the smooth bit of grassland that steams from it. Cats have often peeked their heads over the side of these holes, to try and see where they end or where they lead, but instead they’re met with just darkness - and a faint sound that resembled a loud grumble - before a piercing whistle meets the curious cat’s ears and a quick burst of hot air attacks their eyes. Thermal vents, described by one former Exile, are what The Breathing Caldera are, something not much different than the geysers back in old Air-Tribe territory. Instead of water, though, just a stream of hot steam and mist rises from it, visible and burning to vulnerable ears and eyes, especially of younger cats. This is why, despite the curious layout of The Breathing Caldera, older adults tend to instruct their apprentices to steer clear and away from it. It is a beauty, it is mysterious, tickling the adventurer's and answer-seeker’s curiosity, but the cause for the steam and why it does what it does is still unknown, thus leaving it a bit of a danger to those of the far-too-curious persuasion. Rumors vary from the holes being in-ground volcanoes, to a big, fiery beast being trapped between the three holes. Either way, no cat wants to follow its fate, and while The Breathing Caldera remains mysterious, it is not quite the threat that the Bog of Moving Rocks is and is quite safe to explore, so long as you remain topside.
Bog of Moving Rocks
The most mysterious part of the Territories, and even more, still mysterious to the former residents of this land. North of Nightwatch Forest, you can find your paws on the edge of the grass which gives way to a wetter underpaw, without quite touching water. One cat described this as a marsh - accurate, for the perimeter of the new landmark, though a former Exile corrected the newcomers' terms, adding to it ‘swamp’ and ‘bog.’ A bit deeper into the bog, as far as any cat has dared or managed to go with returning, the marsh gives way to murky waters and mucky trails, full of overgrown tendrils and what one former Exile described as poisonous herbs and bushes. There is a fog that often settles around this bog, making it hard to see inside from just peering along, if you’re not including the dense environment that surrounds you, one that hides a deep secret behind its ominous outer layer. Cats that have gone in and haven’t returned have been rumored to either have drowned or been captured by a common Exile legend: "The Specter." No cat has ever seen this ‘ghost,’ so faceless he, she, or it is to the legends...however, it is told to be one of the greatest terrors of the new land. Told to grab cats who enter his bog, The Specter kills them and keeps their souls hostage as his slave for the rest of eternity, leaving even the most skeptical of Tribe cats casting a wary glance or two toward the bog covered in fog. When asked of the name, which was set prior to their arrival, Tribe cats were met with another legend, in which you can be sure of The Specter drawing nearer to you while you’re in the Bog of Moving Rocks and you see a rock moving towards you or encircling you. A single cat, who visited the bog and managed to travel further than any cat who’s lived before, said that the rocks are instead prisons of the cats they‘ve lost; and, as they‘re moving, they develop haunting yellow eyes, those being the eyes of The Specter, watching you from every angle he can manage before snatching you and turning you into a slave like the rest. These two legends, coupled together, mark the depths of the Bog of Moving Rocks: uncharted, unknown, and unwanted territory, all of which troubles Earth-Tribe since the heart of the bog creeps into their own. Hunting along the edge of the bog, or just a bit of a ways in, where you can still see the clearer outside world of your own territory, proves abundant with frogs and other amphibians, but if you were to lose sight on that clearing and become engulfed in the belly of the bog, it is easy to get lost, turned around, and accidentally manage to find yourself traveling deeper into it than further away. Whether ‘The Specter’ and the acclaimed ‘moving rocks’ are just a nursery tale to scare kits and apprentices, steering them clear away from getting lost in the bog, something in the air just doesn’t seem or taste right about it, and the Earth-Tribe leader has agreed with the other Tribe leaders that the Bog of Moving Rocks is a danger and of no interest to young adventurous cats, lest they want to find themselves right at The Specter’s doorstep.
Caldera's Cover
The three cluster of trees surrounding the Breathing Caldera have been given the fitting name of Calderan's Cover. They aren't too dense but not sparse either and most trees within the clusters are fairly tall birches. Except for becoming something of a barrier around the Caldera and the clear path that seems to lead through two of the clusters, ending near the Small Stones, there's nothing special about these small forests, prey exists but at a small quantity.
Cat's Eye
Seated in the middle of another, smaller cousin of The Waters of Ezrael, this little island would have gone unnoticed by many since it blends in well with the back lying view if you stand at the right spot. Thanks to a sharp young Air-Tribe cat who managed to make out the odd landform, not to mention the words from a joining exile, it was confirmed that there was, in fact, a inhabitable island out in the waters. While the Tribe-cats decided not to use it as territory, they still claim it as their own, on their own, unwritten map, and dubbed it ‘Cat’s Eye’, for the keen golden-eye of the adolescent that spotted it. Some exiles had swum out to the island before, and from their tales, the incoming Tribers have managed to pick up that the island is mostly inhabited by birds and squirrels, large enough to explore for a good day, but not a good living space, as the island’s growth had not been trampled by cat paws and the tangles of branches, vines, and leaves can often leave a cat struggling for a bit. Withdrawn or curious cats, who are willing for the challenge and also who want to escape the bustle of Tribal life, can enjoy a good exploration here - but beware: It has been rumored that, as of recently, a badger has paddled its way out to the island, forcing the wariest of cats to steer away from the secluded Cat’s Eye.
Cat's Eye Lake
It is a smaller cousin of Ezrael's Lake but due the island in the middle, it has been named Cat's Eye lake. It's not very different from the bigger lake up north except for its size. The more skilled fishers can definitely catch some fish in these waters but there is not a huge amount of quantity and with the lack of good spots to actually fish from, the less skilled cats should probably try their luck at the rivers or Ezrael's lake instead. It is a nice place to relax at however, it's usually a very calm area so it's not rare for cats to take a little swim in the waters. Younger cats and bad swimmers are warned to stay away from the Rolling River though. At times, the currents can be very strong and it's easy to get sucked away.
Council of Spirits
The Council of Spirits is a small bit of land, just nearly in the heart of the territories. It is the equivalent of a gathering place, and, almost as if the Spirits had been awaiting their arrival, there are six perches for the Tribe leaders, and a vast clearing between them, filled with soft sand and light grasses, for the cats who attend the Gathering to join them. For an odd reason, the Exiles that occupied the land before the Tribe-cats saw no use for this land, and used it only for a brief meeting point, if anything, however this land is now as sacred to the incoming Tribe cats. Each Tribe leader takes the perch that is nearest to the direction of their camp, and each seems to hold a representation of that territory itself. Light-Tribe’s perch is the one in the very center, at the very top. Going clockwise, you’ll find Fire-Tribe, Air-Tribe, Shadow-Tribe, Earth-Tribe, and then Water-Tribe’s perches, all evenly spaced. As before, the deputies will sit right beneath their leaders, keeping a silent watch. This land is also called the Council of Spirits because, with it being so close to the home of the Light-Tribers, there is hope that this will be the new meeting place of the Spirits, as well.
Crescent
A strange piece of water which form seems to take that of a crescent moon. It lies within the forest that stretches from Earth-Tribe territory and out to neutral land and, surrounded by trees and thus hidden, it is not easy to see this pond until you're actually stepping in it. How it can still keep its body of water and not dry out is unknown but the pond doesn't hold much except for the few frogs that jump in and out.
Cross Path
Cross Path is fork in the river that splits the Water's of Aujir into Lifespring River (which leads into Earth Tribe), and The Wanderer (which pass through Void Tribe). Be careful, there are no stones you can use to pass over to one side or the other and it turns a bit rapid to the north.
Crystal Caverns
Several natural caves formed by erosion near the Water-Tribe camp and Flower Fields seem like just empty caves at first...though, if curiosity leads forward, a cat will discover more. The inside of these caves are rather slick and damp due to the rivers flowing near them, and on first inspection by the Tribe cats, these caves were useless and could be used as nothing except more dens. However, the caves actually hold a vast array of colorful crystals of all shapes and sizes, if you‘re willing to scrape at the walls or venture further into the maze of tunnels that the caves present. A gorgeous sight awaits, to see all sorts of gems, especially around sunset when the light from the sun enters the caverns since the gems reflect the light. The caverns are perfect for Water-Tribe’s Gem Collectors to find precious jewels for the Crafters; however, it is easy for a cat to get greedy or awe-struck, and in fatal cases such as these, a cat can often travel too far into the caverns and never resurface. Because of this, it is often suggested that the cats who enter take another cat with them.
The Divided Islands
Having no prior name for these islands, a clever multi-colored Light-Triber offered help, dubbing it The Divided Islands. Partly because of her bias to the Shadow-Tribers, and partly because of the placements of the islands, easy to see how they’re separated just from standing on the edge of the water that separates the main land and the island, the name stuck and Shadow-Tribe chose to keep it. The islands are hardly what you could consider islands, mostly just banks of sand and rock that create a niche in the smooth running of the water as it pours out into the ocean; however, the salt that washes up and plays with the sand causes little crystals and sometimes even a few rare minerals to wash up onto the shores here, causing it to be a great treasure of the Mineral Collectors. It’s a short swim from land to the Divided Islands and a relatively short distance between one island to the other. Mineral Collectors, or just curious and adventurous young cats, are often found here, bouncing around or searching for something new inside the shifting sands. Because they’re pretty much inside the ocean, when the tides are high, the little islands get submerged, often washing up new things or washing away old ones. This is also a fun game of the apprentices, when the tides roll in, acting as if they were walking on the surface of the water.
Earth-Tribe Camp
Right beside Lifespring Pond, open and spacious, at first glance, one can easily find Earth-Tribe camp, buried at the side of a large hill and mountain. Surrounded by rocks and boulders, which the Earth-Tribers wedge between as nice places to sleep, Earth-Tribe camp is probably the most open and least developed of the other territories, structurally. Instead of bothering to build a fort for other Tribes to have to battle if they choose to go up against the nature-loving Tribe, the Earth-Tribers have decided to make their Tribe relatable with their surroundings, of which they hold their element, as well as the Spirits. Therefore, there does not exist any solid fortification of a proper ‘camp’ for Earth-Tribe. Instead, while there are a few dens scattered here and there, the Earth-Tribers largely sleep out in the open, leaving them vulnerable but comfortable. With the Bog, the Lake, and a series of streams in-between them and other Tribes, who would bother attacking them, anyway? One thing that the Earth-Tribe leader did account for, however, was rain; as a result, there are long tendrils of many vines that create a sort of tarp over the furthest part of camp. That way, when the weather is not favorable, they can move to that part of their home to rest and stay dry. This is also where the nursery and elders' dens are located.
Ember Hills
One new ailment of the Fire-Tribe territory is that it is a bit rockier than usual. This is fine for the hard-padded, warm-footed cats. However, this also causes extremely high hills, or ‘mini mountains’, as younger Fire-Tribe cats have described them, and hatches mysteries as to what’s perched at the top - and how to conquer them. This should be a task that keeps Fire-Tribers, especially ambitious Fire-Tribe apprentices, busy for a while. A few of these hills are volcanoes, only distinguishable from the smoke that puffs at the top of them, and while hardly as big as the one in which the crags of the camp are centered around, or as big as the ones back home, the fact that there are, in fact, volcanoes in this new territory and mess of tall, rocky hills makes the Fire Tribers feel more at home. Around the hills, the ground and air feels warmer and a bit stiffer, as Fire-Tribe cats like it, because of the heat underground and hidden in the depths of a few of the volcanoes-disguised-as-hills. Ember Hills is a good spot to catch prey, some sun, or a nap, or just to simply explore.
Ezrael's Lake
In the middle of all the territories of the new land, drawn together by streams and rivers that connect here and lead out to the sea, you will find a lake that stands still and serene regardless of the weather around it. On windy days, there is barely a ripple of its water, and it reflects everything as clearly as if you were looking up at it with your own two eyes, including your reflection. The older exiles have rumored this place to be sacred and special, giving them what little connection they’ve had left with their spirits, and had dubbed this place the ‘Mirror of Souls,’ the waters rumored to be so clear and to have some sort of essence to it that, while you stare at your reflection and search with your own eyes, you can find an answer to something that you’re searching for within yourself. It is still and can still be called this; however, the leaders of Fire and Air agreed to rename it something else, which connected the Tribal cats to this land and reconnected the Exiles with their heritage. Instead, the Lake is now called ‘The Waters of Ezrael,’ or ‘Ezrael’s Lake,’ commemorating the Silver-Air of the second Great Wars. It was decided to be called this because of how it connects all Tribes, in some way, just as his last move as a dedicated Silver-Air was to bring the Exiles back to the Tribes.
Ezrael's Rivers
Widest of all the rivers in the lands, Ezrael's River is clearly the one the runs from it's parent lake and splits in two after the Fallen Bridge. Because of it's width and depth, all cats are suggested to use the bridge when attempting to cross it, strong currents can easily drag a cat down if one is not careful. Primary Water Tribers are usually the only ones that cross the rivers by others means than the bridge but it's not all too uncommon for experienced cats and daredevils to try their luck by swimming across.
The Fallen Birch
Once a large birch tree, whose roots slithered into the waters of the small rivers and streams formed from the large center lake, The Fallen Birch, called either that or ‘The Tree Bridge’, is a prime part of coexistence with other Tribes for Fire-Tribe and Air-Tribe. With this, both Tribe's cats can easily cross from one side of the island, into the Council of Spirits, and have access to the rest of the land around them. The birch, from word of a former Exile, had fallen after a storm, and while it’d been wedged there for years, sometimes when the rain begins to run and make the rivers and streams rise, or the mud around the birch loose, it will rock a bit under a cat’s paws, making them wary of the stability of the tree. In the time it's fallen, however, it has never once spun, and the only injuries coming from it were sustained by careless young cats who were not watching their paws. Since the base of the tree was so large around, cats can cross over in dry weather without even getting their paws wet, if they’re careful. Cats who do not have tails seem to struggle a bit more with this task than others.
Fire-Tribe Camp
Protected on all sides by tough and high rock, besides the entrance of the camp, which is open and welcome, so the fiery cats do not feel trapped, here you are welcomed into the Fire-Tribe camp. The space of the camp is large, with soft, warm sands coating the camp floor to warm and ease the hardworking Fire-Triber’s paws, and all around in different holes and cracks in the walls of the camp, varying in size, are dens. The three biggest dens are used for the nursery, the Smiths’ den, and apprentices, the warriors and guards able to find enough cracks and crevices for their own dens, with a few left over for recreational purposes. Because of the way that the camp is enclosed, it is one of the warmer camps in the winter and brings the Fire-Tribers a bit closer together than their formerly split camp, which separated Smiths, Warriors, and Guards. Beyond the dens, a cat can easily find their paws sinking into the still-soft ground underfoot as they climb a trail which leads to the territory’s biggest dormant volcano, recently named Mt. Tzurai. Warm toes, warm homes, and a strong camp: the perfect place for the Fire-Tribers to settle.
Fisher's Outlook
The ideal place for a cat who loves to fish or swim to perch upon, Fisher’s Outlook, its name kept from the one it held prior to the Tribe’s entrance, is a quaint little area with a large rock that just slightly juts away from the shore and hangs over the water. Using this, a cat can hang off the edge of the rock easily to scoop a fish up, and several fish do often hide here due to the shadow that the rock casts over the water, perfect for what they think is protection. In the warmer seasons and midday, the rock also makes for a great place to sunbathe; with no trees around to obscure the path of the light hitting the stone, the surface and the pelt of the cat lucky enough to be on it during these times of day are warmed comfortably. The rock can fit up to two of the biggest adult cats of the tribes - and, seeing how many apprentices or adolescents can fit on the rock at one time, the competition could easily become a fun game of stay-on-the rock, splashing into the Waters of Ezrael below. When not sunbathing, fishing, or playing, this rock also offers a wonderful view of the lake, dazzling young she-cats who are in love with the thought of love, or young couples who are just becoming acquainted to the idea.
The Flower Fields
One of the most tranquil places in all of the territories is found in Water-Tribe territory, under the simple name of ‘Flower Fields.’ It is a small meadow or field, each inch covered by a large array of grasses and flowers whose petals holds varies sizes and colors. The scene itself is enough to calm even the most anxious of cats, as year-round the flowers and grasses remain in full-bloom, forever waving about in the wind. In the spring, butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and various other insects come to collect the sweet nectar they can find and to lay their eggs down, starting the cycle all over again. The fragrance from flowers, in the best of times and in the favor of the winds, can carry it to camp, lulling cats whose minds are full of worries to sleep in a single blink. Around the edges of this field, mice can be found nibbling at rejected seeds, though they often never venture inside, and no cat can determine why. Either way, the small landmark is calming, beautiful, and often a place of affectionate confessions and blooming friendships.
Half-Tree Hollow
Rumors speculate that where the half of this tree had gone, turned into the large den / half the camp that Air-Tribe use currently, though regardless of where the half of this large tree that once stood here had gone, either way, it’s disappeared. Also curious is the fact that the inside of this tree is completely hollow, shocking for how huge it is, though cats didn’t bother to ask about it much as it soon turned into the perfect place for practice, games, and a hideout. Most apprentices are easy to find here, practicing their moves on the giant half-tree, and many claw marks score down the sides of it, there even before the arrival of the Tribes. Other cats make it a game to see who can climb it or play hide and seek around it, often wiggling under it or falling through the top of the tree to hide in a part of its hollowed-out belly. However, cats who would rather laze about their day or hide from duties can be found here as well, though often hiding in the darkest parts of the trunk.
Lifespring Pond
This little body of water could suffice for an ecosystem of its own, determined by just looking at the surface. Placed at the heart of Earth-Tribe territory, Lifespring Pond, named for its importance as a water source and also for its abundance in the amount of life it has in it, could really be called Earth-Tribe’s ‘heart.’ The air around it is tranquil and peaceful, yet it holds an aura of importance. In short, it feels blessed. The waters are warmed, thanks to the Caldera northeast of it, and along the top of the water, you can find lily pads floating, flowers spinning in little whirls about it, and small little bugs buzzing about, creating little ripples as they touch down on the water. Beneath the surface, fish swim about strongly, adding a new piece of prey to their pile. The water is said to heal the worst of ailments if you rest in it, so it isn’t rare to see achy senior warriors resting in the waters, despite the disgust of having water matting their pelts.
Lifespring River
It originates from the Waters of Aujir and eventually runs out to Lifespring Pond. This is a steady and fairly slow going river, smaller fish and amphibians are an easy catch here. Even during storms or heavy rain is this river rarely any danger to the cats of the lands since it's pretty shallow. Most of the floods happen at the Waters of Aujir.
Light-Tribe Camp
Light-Tribe camp, though small, is probably one of the most important camps of the territories. While Light-Tribers had once insisted on staying distributed evenly between Tribes, after a bit of even-mannered convincing from the former Silver-Light, Neiru, before her untimely death, the new idea of Light-Tribers living as their own Tribe is being implemented. Of course, these cats are still bound by their duty to help heal the cats of the Tribes, but it also gives them the freedom to move as they please, without being under the order of their Tribe leader and being caught in Tribe quarrels. The Light-Tribe cats will remain forever neutral - and this territory, branched right off of the Council of Spirits, is to help keep that ensured. The distance from the Light-Tribe camp in comparison to another is the same all-around for all Tribes, and while the journey is a bit more than just having a Light-Triber living in your camp, especially in serious instances, there is hope that this will lessen injuries and improve communication while still appreciating the new-Tribe’s needs.
The center of the camp is clear, easier to hold injured cats or cats who seek to consult a Light-Triber, and the dens and storage units of the territories can be found in the large bushes, which are quite hollow on the inside after brushing past the dense leaves and branches to wiggle inside, or burrows.
Mt. Corvo
This large mountain, while definitely not larger than the ones that border Water-Tribe, can certainly compete with Mt. Tzurai in height. It's a very steep one, loose rocks are not too uncommon either and can hinder a cat climbing its way up. That's why only the best climbers are able to get to its highest peak-- something that it's not rare for Earth Tribers to be-- others are suggested to try for the more smaller peaks that stretches a little to the southwest, unless they want to fall towards a certain death. It was named by the Earth Tribers after a Silver-Earth who lead the Tribe before the migration and the nature-loving cats like to believe that all of their former leaders and deputies watch them from its top and keeps them safe. A tall shield to give them cover and protection, a monument by the nature itself.
Mt. Tzurai
It held no name until the death of the famous and long reigning Silver-Fire Tzurai, who faced her end in the fiery depths. It is the largest volcano located in the Ember Hills and a famous landmark to the Fire-Tribe. Besides huffing and puffing smoke, this volcano does not do much and did not interest the exiles, but the Fire-Tribers know better of its potential. It is now Fire-Tribe's own sanctuary to the Spirits and, hoping to instill a tradition, every half moon and full moon, the former Silver-Fire could be seen tossing pieces of prey into the volcano as an offering to the Fire-Spirit. It is also were she would make her announcements, on the highest point of the trail that leads up to the volcano, and thus, the Fire Tribers found it fitting to name it after the Silver-Fire who had led the Tribe for such a long time.
Needle
It is slightly bigger than the similar looking pond in Earth Tribe and definitely easier to see as it lies between the border of Water Tribe and the Northern Pheasant Woods. Needle holds a small amount of fish and amphibians and is more or less a water hole for some of the creatures in the nearby woods. It stays healthy and keeps circulating due to the Waters of Aujir, whenever there's a heavy rain the nearby river might grow a bit wider and flow over to the water hole.
Neiru's Pond
There's something quite special with this pond and most cats don't even need words to know it, one look and they understand. The water is extremely clear due to no organism living in it, not even plants. Rocks and pebbles, that's all you can see at the bottom. But even though the pond is tecnically dead-- in the sense that there's nothing living in it-- there is still somehing alive within. It is said to have healing powers, not to ones body but to ones soul, and weary cats sometimes seek this place to find some peace or enlightment. Some simple gaze at the clear water, others dip their head or nose in it. For these many reasons, the pond is very sacred to the Light-Tribers and they sought to name it after a former Silver-Light. Meditating by it is also common practice for the cats of Light, and perhaps the reason it seems to hold such spiritual properties is because the Council of Spirits is located nearby.
Nightwatch Forest
A forest of the polar opposite of the one on the very opposite side of the territories from it borders Earth-Tribe, Light-Tribe, and Shadow-Tribe territories, because where Pheasant Woods holds tall, thin trees, all of the ones in this forest are short, stout, and very wide in diameter. The only similarity between the two is that the foliage is thick, though this forest can take on a considerably more peculiar and intimidating presence, especially at night. Named Nightwatch Forest, as a joke from a gray-and-white Earth-Triber, as he felt that the forest was watching him, the name presented itself and stuck there, with the Exiles stating that they’d come up with things similar in the past. While most cats don’t exactly bother to go hunting in Nightwatch Forest unless absolutely necessary, that doesn’t mean that hunting isn’t aplenty in it. Diligent cats can find a good amount of small rodents, between mice, an occasional rat, squirrels, voles, and moles. Birds steer clear, since the short trees make them an easier target for hunt, but the volume of ground-prey makes up for the lack of feathered friends.
Northern Pheasant Woods
The northern part of the Pheasant Woods. This thicket of woods lies betwen the territories of Water and Fire and is much denser than its other half that lies to the south. Bird-song is a whisper in a cats ear that stands at the threshold of it, and the dense trees that line the woods make the journey through it cooler than the air outside of it. It is hard to remain quiet here, as the canopy above is thick, only letting through a few shafts of light here and there, and leaves shed themselves from high branches often, littering the soft ground underpaw. This harms no hunter's or huntress’ efforts, however, as in this forest, besides the occasional squirrel that belongs here, a cat will find mostly birds, nested in the branches high above. It makes the hunting here a bit harder, as the expert climber must spend a bit of time clawing themselves up the harsh bark of trees that you must pull your head back to see to the top - and the cat whose claws do not take well to the brown bodies must, instead, wait on the ground and try hard to blend in with the foliage.
The Outskirts
The Outskirts consists of all lands up north and past the mountains that fall away from Water-Tribe territory. It is hard to tell what is beyond them. Once you’ve climbed the sheer path of the mountains there, the Outskirts are just along the drop that seems endless by just poking your head over the edge - however, a rumor persists that strange animals sometimes visit from the other side. Either way, from the appearance of the exiles and the land that was once called home to the Tribe cats, it is hard to tell what could be on the other side, and in cases like these, it would be better to keep your nose out of the winds of curiosity that brushes along from the direction of the Outskirts. Beware: it could cost you your life.
The Rolling Bridge
Somewhere in time, a tree stump seemed to manage to wedge its way from the now-Water-Tribe camp to form the now-Rolling-Bridge. It gets its name from its make-up, because while the bridge is sturdy and surely not to go breaking off from the two rocks it's been forever wedged between, if too many cats are on it at once, or if one cat is moving and rocking the stump too much, it will begin to roll, usually resulting in the cat being thrown off unless they run in the opposite direction as the roll. Because of this, older cats often do not use The Rolling Bridge, though this is one of the favored hangout spots of younger adults, adolescents, and apprentices of Air-Tribe. Not only can it suffice as a bridge, but it can also work as a perch for the risky fisher cat, as well as a spot for a good bit of fun. Young cats can often be found here, having contests and purposefully making the log roll, to see who will be the last cat standing. As the river that the Rolling Bridge parts is relatively deep, no injuries have happened on accord of this play, besides a heavier cat landing on a smaller one in the waters. Overall, the Rolling Bridge is a triple-helpful part of Water-Tribe territory.
Rolling River
Clearly named for the shape, the Rolling River snakes its way from the Cat Eye's Lake and runs out into the ocean within Shadow-Tribes territory, splitting up the small sand dunes that makes the Divided Islands. Due to the angle of the lands, rough weather and for eventually running out into the ocean, this river can at times be a very rapid one and caution should always be taken when trying to cross it.
Serpent's Tail
Snaking through the valleys that litter Air-Tribe’s vast territory, this little river - and the marshy pond attached to it - is the primary source of water for the Air-Tribers. The pond is rather large and provides a nice habitat for a variety of small fish, frogs, water voles, and the occasional crane. However, it, along with the river itself, does have some of the more harmful critters - while water snakes won’t try to eat a whole cat, they will not hesitate to take a quick chomp on anything that comes too close. As such, it’s best to avoid them unless one wants to risk a trip to Light-Tribe territory. This is the primary hotspot for cats to hang out of all ages, resting by the edge of the pool or splashing about near it, despite the threat of the snakes.
Shadow-Tribe Camp
Taking a few steps into Shadow-Tribe camp, you wouldn’t realize its potential until you sought your gaze along the line of rocks that block out the northern winds, keeping them sheltered from the blistering cold and bringing in warmer winds from the south instead. Open and welcome, unlike the stereotype of the cats themselves, the main bustle of the camp is found in the open circle of land between the large rocks and the ocean, which is how the Shadow-Tribers like it. Their camp is set right at the shoreline, and while this would worry some cats about supplies when the tides rise, it worries the Shadow-Tribers none, who have sought out the prime part of the use of the rocks.
After a bit of moving and wiggling through the cracks and crevices, you can find yourself leading down a tunnel that opens up to the heart of the Shadow-Tribe camp, an open circle of space, big enough for each cat to fit into, and more, and holes and little tunnels that lead deeper underground, some ending in dens and others leading deeper, to where mysterious shining rocks and the scent of ocean lay. The outer camp is just a decoy, as the fortified Shadow-Tribe camp lies beneath the sands and stones. The way that these tunnels are carved is a bit too neat to be made by time, or cats, but the assumption is that the Spirits left it for them, for having neglected their return for so long, and the Shadow-Tribe cats accept this, keeping themselves busy with either slipping into the daylight or slipping further into the darkness, by exploring the deeper tunnels. Rumor has it that there is one tunnel, full of beautiful blue gems, that leads right under the ocean.
Shatterbone Cliffs
An ominously named place, for a Tribe to take in as a landmark of their territory, however the Shadow-Tribers have adopted it as such. Shatterbone Cliffs, also a name adopted from Exile vernacular, is a cluster of risky, daring cliffs and ledges just a swim away from dry land, encased in the territory marked for the Shadow-Tribers. With high peaks and rumors of ledges collapsing, even a crumble of rock here or there between one’s paws, you would think this as high-risk a place to stay away like that of The Sink Hole, but instead, the Shadow-Tribers embrace it. Here, Shadow-Tribers fish, sunbathe, or escape the fast-paced movement of Tribe life and their move, with the convenience of staying in their territory. The view of the ocean from these unstable perches is amazing, though most of the right-minded and older cats tend to stay lower down. These cliffs also offer the younger adults, adolescents, and apprentices a daring place to seek a thrill.
The Sink Hole
One of the top landmarks marked most-mysterious of the territories. The Sink Hole, a name given to it by the Exiles and kept by the Tribe-cats, was one of the first things the Tribers ran into, and with wary glances and a few experimental daps of paws against the shifting sands, it was marked dangerous, though the curious few still try to discover what lies beyond its depths. It seems like nothing more than a large pool, except where there would be water the sand laps hungrily at the paws. It is roughly the same size as Moonfish Lake from their previous home, making a hop, skip, and a jump across impossible, and no living cat who has ever tried to make the journey has succeeded. No cat knows what lies in the center of The Sink Hole, though some have tried to perch trees to see, stating they thought they could see a dot of water, but, with trees being quite a bit away from the shifting sands, it is hard to determine. Rotten prey is tossed in and engulfed in the center, hoping to appease the Spirits, if this is their doing. Even the prey steer clear of here, and if a cat were to journey here, and test out the sands of the hole themselves, they are doubted to come back.
The Small Stones
Another bridge of sorts, The Small Stones offer a place for Earth-Tribe and Water-Tribe territories to meet, and makes an easy and safe passage from their lands to the middle neutral territories. The only thing that makes the stones a bit of a harder passage than the Fallen Birch or The Stepping Stones is the fact that, closer to the water and much smaller, a cat can only fit one paw on each stone, and they’re slippery from being washed over by water so often, so if a cat isn’t careful, they can often find themselves slipping off a stone and splashing into the water below, which is usually freezing and not appealing during the winter. However, with the few bigger stones set in the middle of the little stone-bridges, Earth-Tribe has staked a claim to them as a watchpoint, watching for activity in the mainland, Water-Tribe, and Shadow-Tribe.
Southern Pheasant Woods
It is between Air and Fire that the Southern half of the Pheasant Woods lies. It's a bit sparse compared to its sibling but other than that it's not very different. Like the northern one, different assortments of birds can be found here year-round, though the most common of prey would be the pheasant, to which a Fire-Tribe apprentice offered the mess of tangles and leaves its name. There is also something peculiar that can be found in the Pheasant Woods. It is rare to find anything but birds here, but ever since the Tribe cats have moved north and settled into these lands, there is a white rabbit that can sometimes be spotted. Just a flash of pure, glowy white, and the scent of rabbit is left behind. Many have attempted to chase this prey, however it's always seemed to vanish as they've turned the corner or burst through bushes, leaving behind nothing but the sweet scent and a mysterious, yet calming feel. Some have speculated that this is the same rabbit from Rabbit's Forest, a Spirit of Fortune following the Tribes.
Stepping Stones
Compiled of one large stone, with smaller ones scattered about it, all leading to the same path, The Stepping Stones are another form of bridge, used mostly by Shadow-Tribe, though occasionally doted on by Air-Tribe. While there is only really one main stone that is used for a bridge - a long, flat one, which touches from the edge of one land to the other - this stone is primarily used mostly for the leaders, senior cats, and the youngest ones. The younger, stronger, or faster warriors and guards must bear with jumping on the smaller stones, leaping from one to another until they reach the edge of the neutral territory closest to Light-Tribe’s. This is because the largest stone of The Stepping Stone only offers so much support and room, and cats find using the other stones a much quicker journey than waiting for all cats to file across that one, thin ledge. This does not mean that all is just peachy for the jumpers, however, as, even though the stones are big enough for a cat to land all four paws with good balance, they are slippery underpaw, and stone is impossible to dig claws into. Most former Exiles groaned at having to use the smaller stone, because once they got to where they were going, they also had to wait for their fur to dry. This also applies to Tribe apprentices and younger adults, who tend to make a race of seeing who can get across first.
Still Water Basin
Stillwater Basin, as named by the incoming Fire-Tribers, is their own little piece of The Waters of Ezrael. Branching out from the large lake and leading into the warm territory, it seems to be one of the only things in the territory that is cooler in temperature, which makes sense, as it is nearly on the outskirts of the territory. It is Fire-Tribe’s primary water source, a deep crater in the ground that they assume was formed by a volcanic eruption, which, over time, managed to erode a way to The Waters of Ezrael and fill to its brim. The waters always seem still, and it is a more tranquil and serene place, away from the heat and crags that are offered further into Fire-Tribe territory. Important meetings with other Tribes are held here, to make the other Tribers more comfortable in the new territory, and while there are no fish in this water source, and most Fire-Tribe cats do not fancy a swim, it is a good place to relax after a long day of hard work on Fire-Tribe territory, the undisturbed waters leaving an undisturbed rest awaiting.
Trees of Killian
While the Pheasant Woods are considered the brighter one and Nightwatch Forest the darker, the Trees of Killian is something inbetween. At the start, it is seemingly a nice forest to walk in. Sturdy trees, birds and critters scurring about, it is nothing out of the ordinary. The further in you go you though, the closer you get Shadow-Triber's territory, the space between the trees seems to become narrower and the ground barren. Small rays of light finds their way in and most of the leafy crowns are high above since the trees themselves are much taller in the western parts. It's good for Shadow-Tribe that the part of the forest that lies within their lands have that kind of nature, not only does it give their camp cover but it's useful for the cats that have the primary power of Shadow. It has been named Trees of Killian after a former Silver-Shadow.
Water-Tribe Camp
The hardest camp to get to, if you are not a Water-Triber or natural lover of water, and thus, the hardest to attack, Water-Tribe camp is placed on a little island, formed by the running waters that fall from the Outskirts. With their camp surrounded by the babble of the water, Water-Tribers are often at peace here, and with it not open for attack, their dens are not the strongest ones, though they often do not linger in them long, instead coming to lay on the soft, sandy grounds and catch the rays from the sun if they have time to rest. The few dens that Water-Tribe does have, however, are large burrows, enough to house all of their warriors, guards, and special-job cats, as well as a nursery between the two first mentioned. One downfall to having a island-bound home, despite all of its safeties, is a clear one: during storms and several days of rain, their camp and dens can get flooded - although, if this happens, Water-Tribe will often seek higher grounds on the mountains adjacent to their home, only coming down when the water has lowered once more.
Waters of Aujir
These waters starts as a single river coming from the high mountains within Water-Tribe, which then splits into three. One becomes the Lifespring River, the other two snakes their way around Water-Tribe's camp and then merges into the lake beside it. During calmer days the waters causes no trouble for the water loving cats, but come a big storm and floods aren't too uncommon. Luckily, the Water Tribers know how to keep themselves safe and how to deal with the aftermath. It is rarely any trouble and mostly just gives them protection from outsiders. The rivers and lake were eventually named Waters of Aujir after a previous Silver-Water. Though the tales of her last days might not be the best sounding ones, the cats of Water still wanted to remember their heritage and have it serve as a reminder of what conflicts can bring.