Shearwater FAQ

[Thoda Kro/Crowstar]

* Decided to put under announcements, but will likely move to another board after everyones seen it.

I hope this FAQ thread can clear up some things regarding the clan and their behavior.
These are a few things I've been asked a couple times, or that people need to know more about.

Is there Dark Forest involvement?

No, and there may never be. The Dark Forest is not mentioned in our plot because they've been dead and gone for years. This is why so many cats had worshipped StarClan before White Glare; because they were kept safe.
We may involve them in White Glare later on when we finally explain why White Glare ever even happened, but I don't know, it's unlikely. And that's a long ways into the plot.

If StarClan worship is banned, then where does the clan think dead cats go?

A majority of code followers believe that in death, spirits follow the Seer. I'll be posting a thread all about the legendary seer later.

Who/what is the Seer?

An elder lynx cat who mysteriously showed up when the clan's first moved to their new territory. Seer is a big, old looking lynx with tribal berry paint and one blind eye. While he did make himself known ages ago to the clan, he refuses to meet with anyone but the leader and the leader's seconds.
The Seer is believed to be very wise, so the leader and, if the leader chooses, the seconds as well, meet with the Seer once a moon. The Seer offers advice on situations. to the leader.
It's believed the Seer can see the dead through his blind eye. It is unknown if he is an actual lynx, or a very powerful spirit. Perhaps we'll find out one day.

What are the symptoms of White Glare?

It begins as cold symptoms. It elevates over the course of two or three moons to body aches, lack of hunger, and irritability.
A chemical imbalance in the brain develops. The body aches become unbearable. Their lack of hunger turns to great hunger. They become extremely irritable.
They begin to go blind and develop cataracts, which gleam white. By the time their eyes are white, their mind is completely consumed.
Depending on the strength of one's immune system, it can take as little as 2 moons to develop and as much as 8 in others.

Can my character catch White Glare?

You will have to discuss it with staff. We aren't going to allow any outbreaks for a long time, though.

When was the last White Glare outbreak?

A few characters parents have been said to be affected in the plot, but for the most part the clan has kept clean and healthy ever since their move. Little to no outbreaks happen.

What does the clan think of Nestmaids?

There seems to be some misinformation regarding Nestmaids.

It seems a few people are under the impression nestmaids are clan slaves. This is not true.
In the books, a disabled cat would become an elder or med app. Elders weren't looked down upon. The clan just didn't want them to hurt themselves trying to fight or hunt when they had something that may make it much harder for them to do so.
It is the same for our group, but it's a different rank. They're given busy work to make them feel more useful, and just tend to things around camp if they can.
They are NOT hated by the rest of the clan, thrown or tossed around, etc. They're literally just normal WC book elders kind of.

I mean, some of you are free to have a mean character who dislikes them. I just mean in general, they aren't supposed to be slaves.

The only asshole-y thing I can think that the clan does, is they won't let cats BORN with deformities breed due to the fact they think they'll "spread their taint." Which is pretty mean, but the clan just wants to make sure everyone is healthy since.. white glare and all.

If Nestmaids aren't slaves, why is the mother allowed to kill them if she has a disabled kit?

some mothers just straight up don't want a kit who isn't a warrior to their name, who has to live their life picking flowers and cleaning nests, never really being able to leave camp cause they could get hurt, etc.

What is the difference between a nest-maid and an elder?

Elder are old cats and highly respected because they've worked for so long and they know a lot of stuff, blah blah.
Nest maids are cats with deformities or disabilities that would prevent them from preforming average warrior duties

Why are outsiders so frowned upon? How do they go about joining the clan?

Because the clan doesn't know where they come from. For all they know, they could be a believer who has White Glare or something.
Outsiders can join the group by going through basic apprentice training. Once the clan is sure they're strong enough for their group, and can be trusted, they will be given a new warrior name.
Outsiders do not wear an item on their fur to show their warrior hood however, like full-blooded warriors do. The clan likes to be mean and make it known that they'll never TRULY be accepted.


More TBA.