Post by echo on Dec 17, 2009 17:55:53 GMT -5
Okay, I was thinking, and I got an idea for the site plot, since I wasn't sure whether we had one or not. Might seem a little weird, but I do think it's pretty unique compared to the usual invading-clan/disease/warring clans sort of plot. It's kinda long, so here goes...
So basically the clans are killing/injuring their own cats as an offering to StarClan, who have given up on changing their ways. They sit by and watch the living, unsure of what to do. I have no idea how this would end or exactly how it would go, but I just thought I would post it. Kinda confusing...
sacrifice - noun
the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage.
How it Began
It all began with one misunderstanding.
Leafbare was harsh. However, the one that had befallen the clans was even worse than any other that had gone before, and those that had yet to come. The days were cold, as though the sun had been snuffed out along with all its warmth and light. Much of the water all around had frozen, becoming beds of ice. Most of the prey had either died or were burrowed deep underground, few ever venturing out for food because of the biting cold that threatened to freeze everything it touched. All four clans were suffering greatly from hunger, thirst, and greencough, which was taking its toll. It isn't long before they each start squabbling for more territory, for more areas to hunt and gather herbs. Despite the circumstances, they are willing to fight their rivaling clans, for they are the only tangible foe. However, still no one makes a move as they await the other to act first.
The tension continues building, until one Gathering, where it finally became too much. One fight between two cats quickly grew to become a full scale battle. Despite the will of StarClan, even a cloud covering the moon is unable to put a stop to the cats' desperation, paranoia, fear. And anger towards their warrior ancestors, who have done nothing to help. In the heat of the battle, a single cat was killed atop the Great Tree. Hearing the cat's dying yowl, suddenly the fight ceased. The sky cleared, as the clans realized they had broken the truce, and they each quickly return to their own territories.
Miraculously, the day following the cat's death has brought a great change. Suddenly, there was prey. The weather grew warmer. Herbs grew almost overnight. At first the cats are confused. Was it StarClan? Were their ancestors helping them at last? Most cats were too relieved to care. However, others were more curious. Out of the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude, a term that had never before been spoken by the cats began to circulate around the forest: Sacrifice.
And so it continued...
At first, most cats were outraged and horrified by this prospect. It was unheard of to use sacrifices, blood sacrifices, to appease StarClan. Others were more open to this idea. Everyone knew about how terrible the leafbare had been. Everyone knew about the Gathering that had ended in catastrophe. Everyone knew about the cat that had died. And Everyone knew that ever since then, the days had been much easier. For some, this was proof enough of what they had to do. Little did they know that StarClan had not taken this initiative, but had only decided to do their best to save them in order to prevent any more of these disasters. For awhile, they took advantage of the good luck that had come there way, and the rumor stayed just that--a rumor. Unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end. Sure enough, the temperature began to cool, reverting to its original cold, and the prey once again slowly diminished.
The pawful of cats that had readily accepted the idea of giving sacrifices decided to unite. To do so was the only way if any of them wished to survive. They took a nonclan cat prisoner, and on the night of the Gathering, to prove to the other cats that StarClan wanted such sacrifices, murdered the captive. A cloud that had covered the sky, by mere coincidence, just then moved aside, much to the gathered crowd's utter shock. Was it really what StarClan wished from them? Of course not. Now that the seed had been planted, they knew it would only lead to more "attempts" if they ignored this dastardly feat. As a result, they once again blessed the clans with easier days, and confirming the doubts of many cats. Their ancestors had verified it.
Now, the leaders are randomly selecting cats of their own clans to offer as show of their dedication and complete loyalty. In the beginning, they only did so on the full-moon. As time passed, however, they became all the more certain. Soon, even fresh-kill was being given, taken to various "holy spots" where they they left it. They took it even a step further. Instead of only taking a life, they often tore off a tail, or a leg, or sometimes even an eye. While they considered it an honor to be "chosen", it terrified many, though no one dared not object for fear of enraging their ancestors. But in truth, StarClan had given up, no longer believing they could dissuade the living. It had become a gruesome display of cruelty and how far the clans would go.
Will they ever stop? No one is completely safe, not even a young kit or surly elder. Whoever you are, where ever you come from, watch your step. You could lose more than a leg or and eye.
It all began with one misunderstanding.
Leafbare was harsh. However, the one that had befallen the clans was even worse than any other that had gone before, and those that had yet to come. The days were cold, as though the sun had been snuffed out along with all its warmth and light. Much of the water all around had frozen, becoming beds of ice. Most of the prey had either died or were burrowed deep underground, few ever venturing out for food because of the biting cold that threatened to freeze everything it touched. All four clans were suffering greatly from hunger, thirst, and greencough, which was taking its toll. It isn't long before they each start squabbling for more territory, for more areas to hunt and gather herbs. Despite the circumstances, they are willing to fight their rivaling clans, for they are the only tangible foe. However, still no one makes a move as they await the other to act first.
The tension continues building, until one Gathering, where it finally became too much. One fight between two cats quickly grew to become a full scale battle. Despite the will of StarClan, even a cloud covering the moon is unable to put a stop to the cats' desperation, paranoia, fear. And anger towards their warrior ancestors, who have done nothing to help. In the heat of the battle, a single cat was killed atop the Great Tree. Hearing the cat's dying yowl, suddenly the fight ceased. The sky cleared, as the clans realized they had broken the truce, and they each quickly return to their own territories.
Miraculously, the day following the cat's death has brought a great change. Suddenly, there was prey. The weather grew warmer. Herbs grew almost overnight. At first the cats are confused. Was it StarClan? Were their ancestors helping them at last? Most cats were too relieved to care. However, others were more curious. Out of the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude, a term that had never before been spoken by the cats began to circulate around the forest: Sacrifice.
And so it continued...
At first, most cats were outraged and horrified by this prospect. It was unheard of to use sacrifices, blood sacrifices, to appease StarClan. Others were more open to this idea. Everyone knew about how terrible the leafbare had been. Everyone knew about the Gathering that had ended in catastrophe. Everyone knew about the cat that had died. And Everyone knew that ever since then, the days had been much easier. For some, this was proof enough of what they had to do. Little did they know that StarClan had not taken this initiative, but had only decided to do their best to save them in order to prevent any more of these disasters. For awhile, they took advantage of the good luck that had come there way, and the rumor stayed just that--a rumor. Unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end. Sure enough, the temperature began to cool, reverting to its original cold, and the prey once again slowly diminished.
The pawful of cats that had readily accepted the idea of giving sacrifices decided to unite. To do so was the only way if any of them wished to survive. They took a nonclan cat prisoner, and on the night of the Gathering, to prove to the other cats that StarClan wanted such sacrifices, murdered the captive. A cloud that had covered the sky, by mere coincidence, just then moved aside, much to the gathered crowd's utter shock. Was it really what StarClan wished from them? Of course not. Now that the seed had been planted, they knew it would only lead to more "attempts" if they ignored this dastardly feat. As a result, they once again blessed the clans with easier days, and confirming the doubts of many cats. Their ancestors had verified it.
Now, the leaders are randomly selecting cats of their own clans to offer as show of their dedication and complete loyalty. In the beginning, they only did so on the full-moon. As time passed, however, they became all the more certain. Soon, even fresh-kill was being given, taken to various "holy spots" where they they left it. They took it even a step further. Instead of only taking a life, they often tore off a tail, or a leg, or sometimes even an eye. While they considered it an honor to be "chosen", it terrified many, though no one dared not object for fear of enraging their ancestors. But in truth, StarClan had given up, no longer believing they could dissuade the living. It had become a gruesome display of cruelty and how far the clans would go.
Will they ever stop? No one is completely safe, not even a young kit or surly elder. Whoever you are, where ever you come from, watch your step. You could lose more than a leg or and eye.
So basically the clans are killing/injuring their own cats as an offering to StarClan, who have given up on changing their ways. They sit by and watch the living, unsure of what to do. I have no idea how this would end or exactly how it would go, but I just thought I would post it. Kinda confusing...
