Far From Home | A Clan Creation Guide

Traits & Skills

The traits and skills of a Clan are largely influenced by the elements discussed in past chapters (territory and history, to be exact). The historical aspect plays in only if the first leader decided to settle in a particular area because of a value or trait they esteemed, or maybe because of a certain skill they held.

Using the example from the previous chapter, maybe Lionstar was driven to settle in the moors because he valued bravery, and believed exposure to the elements could only be survived properly by brave cats. He might also have been quick-footed, and found he could run on the open moors better than in the forest.

Or, he just liked rabbits more than any other prey, but we'll leave that out...

Whatever the reason for the Clan's settlement in a particular territory, it is an undeniable fact that the cats will slowly begin to adapt to this territory. I'd go into Darwinism and the whole survival of the fittest thing, but the basic idea is that only those who adapt to survive in their habitat will survive.

This means that cats living in different territories are likely to have different physical and personality traits that define them as a group. In the original Warriors series, ThunderClan is characterized as being strong and brave while ShadowClan is ambitious and proud. Does this mean that every cat in the Clan exhibits these traits? To a certain degree, perhaps, but only a select few really embody them.

Physically, ThunderClan cats are bracken-coloured and broad-shouldered, and are good at hunting and climbing. ShadowClan cats are darker in colour and have a knack for night-hunting because their eyes have adapted to the darkness of their territory.

In both of these examples, we see how both history and territory influence the characteristics and skills of a Clan.

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Here's a list I've compiled for possible adaptations to the territories mentioned in the name & territory section of this guide, with a mention of a physical trait, a personality trait and a 'special' skill:

FOREST
- bracken-coloured to help them hide in the undergrowth and broad-shouldered to push past the low foliage
- quiet and stealthy, especially when hunting
- good at hunting and climbing, as well as fighting around obstacles

MOORS/PLAINS
- lithe, with long legs and tail to keep them streamlined
- quick and flighty, as they have nowhere to hide out in the open
- good at running because of all the open spaces

RIVERLAND/MARSH
- sleek-furred, maybe with a natural oil coating to help keep them dry; may have webbed paws
- spend lots of time grooming; seen as luxurious
- good at swimming and catching fish, frogs and various reptiles

SCRUBLAND/VALLEY
- a variety of colours to help them blend in with shrubs or greenery
- resourceful because of the lack of cover
- good at running and hunting in the open

GORGE/CANYON/BADLANDS/MOUNTAINS
- sand or rock-coloured to help them blend in, with long claws to help them climb it
- good sense of direction, as most parts of these habitats seem similar
- good at climbing and jumping over cliffs and rocks

DESERT/SAVANNA
- sand-coloured to help them blend in, with broad paws to help them stay atop the sand
- a little hot-tempered and very protective, due to the harsh sun and number of dangerous predators
- good at running and hunting habitat specific prey

ISLAND/OCEAN/LAKE/SEA
- neutral colours (whites, greys, blacks); sleek fur
- can be relaxed, if near a tropical sea, or harsh and cold, if near a more windy and rocky climate
- good at swimming and climbing rocks

JUNGLE
- short fur to help them cool off
- aggressive because of the number of predators
- enhanced night vision and jumping/climbing skills

TUNDRA
- thick coats to keep out the cold; broad paws that act like snowshoes when traversing snow
- can be harsh and cold because of the climate they live in
- good at running and hunting in open spaces

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General physical skills:
- fighting
- hunting
- jumping
- climbing
- swimming
- running
- agility
- speed
- strength

General personality traits:
- aggressive
- ambitious
- bold
- brave
- clever
- cold
- cunning
- easy-going
- flighty
- friendly
- harsh
- hot-tempered
- logical
- loyal
- patient
- peaceful
- power-hungry
- protective
- proud
- relaxed
- resourceful
- stealthy
- strong
- stubborn
- tough
- quick-footed

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The next section will take a look at building a Clan and applying your chosen characteristics.