SHORESHIMMER CLAN

"We are born of the shore, of both land and sea, the living edge between what was and what will be... In each of you, I see the light that guides us home. And in each of you, I see the light that will let Shoreshimmer shine forever."

-Tuna, Founder of Shoreshimmer

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unity | harmony | craftsmanship

overview

Where the sea kisses the shore and the waves crash upon the rocks, Shoreshimmer Clan not only lives, but thrives. The eldest of the five Clans, Shoreshimmer was founded by Tuna, a ship molly who fell overboard during a violent storm and washed up on the shores she would soon call home. This swath of territory is primarily made up of both sandy and rocky shorelines, with the southern half of the beach being relatively sandy and flat, while the northern half gains elevation along the rocks, forming cliffs that stand tall over the ocean.

Along the sandy shore is where the Clan has obtained its namesake: smooth and shimmering sea glass that dots the shoreline, glinting in the sunlight, casting colorful shadows behind it. Not only is this the Clans namesake, but also the source of traditions that the Clan practices, namely the 'Shorewalk Rite', as well as a main source of crafting materials that the Clan utilizes in their accessories.

Balance and harmony are integral to their way of life, and a large focus of the Clan. Too much of one thing leads to too little of another, and too little of another leads to excess of others. Finding the balance between too much and too little, between land and sea, diplomacy and defense, it all leads back to their core values of harmony and balance.

Much like the shoreline they inhabit, their life is modeled and shaped by the ocean. While they place great emphasis on utilizing and caring for both the land and water they inhabit, the ocean is their primary giver and their primary reverence. The ocean is which all comes from, and what all life returns to in death. The ocean and tides carry the cycle of life and reincarnation, the core spiritual belief of Shoreshimmer Clan.

LEADERSHIP MODEL.

Shoreshimmer Clan is unique in their leadership model from the other four Clans. Instead of a singular head of the Clan that oversees everything, Shoreshimmer has two leaders and two deputies. Each pair oversees different aspects of the Clan and their daily life, rituals, traditions, and territory. This leadership model was not instilled by Tuna in her founding, but her views and teachings were used to form it a few generations later after a particularly greedy leader almost drove them to ruin by over-hunting and over-fishing. Aside from that, historically, Shoreshimmer has always leaned towards a democratic decision making model, leadership fully hearing the voices and the concerns of the Clan before moving forward with a decision.

Seabound.

The Seabound pair represent the seas, the night, the moon, and spiritual aspects within the Clan. They are responsible for ensuring the health of the water of their territory, knowing that the land relies on it. If the water is polluted or otherwise unhealthy, the land becomes sick as well. They are also responsible for organizing gathering trips or hunting groups within the ocean and tidal pools. They are typically naturally diplomats and intermediates among their Clan and find themselves more immersed within the personal lives of their kin. A Seabound Leader will choose their deputy based not only on their abilities to lead, but to also be able to rise and fall with the tides and move in tandem with the waves. They are the soul of their Clan.

Landbound.

Where the Seabound pair may be the soul of the Clan, the Landbound pair are the heart of it. This pair represents the earth, the day, the sun, and the physical elements of the world. They are responsible for overseeing the land they inhabit and the physical welfare of their Clan. This is the duo that assigns training and patrols and oversees the Clans defensive capabilities. They are in close conjunction with the Clans forecasters and are the first to order evacuations if need be for incoming storms, and responsible for guiding the Clan to their secondary camp on higher ground. A Landbound Leader may choose their deputy not only based on skill, but by how bright they may shine in the eyes of their clanmates.

SPIRITUALITY.

Born from a sailor, it is only natural that the Clan that Tuna harbored became spiritual and superstitious, very quickly. Having already had spiritual views of the ocean and life, there was little that needed to be added to Tuna's viewpoint, aside from refining it further to suit the shoreline as well. Shoreshimmer cats tend to be very superstitious, especially in regards to the ocean and storms, having sayings similar to "red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning, sailors warning". Cats of Shoreshimmer also tend to be very spiritual in that regard, believing the ocean to be a living, breathing thing that not only provides for them, but tests them. It is from which all life comes, and to where all life goes in death.

The Cycle of Life.

Life follows a pattern: birth, life, death, and rebirth. It is an endless cycle that every living thing is a part of. No one can escape it, so why fear it? Shoreshimmer cats typically do not fear death, for it is a natural progression through the cycle of life. Death is not an ending, merely an intermission between one life to the next, and should be celebrated as well as mourned. Spirits and souls rejoin this cycle in their physical passing to begin anew as something else. When one passes, their spirit is guided to the ocean and its tides to be swept back into the cycle once more, following the idea that the ocean is from which all life comes, and where all life goes. To Shoreshimmer, the cycle of life works in conjunction with the tides. Lives rise and fall, but never truly cease.

Reincarnation.

As mentioned above, Shoreshimmer cats believe that death is not a permanent ending. Their ancestors do not wait for them in the stars or endless hunting grounds, but instead, their ancestors walk among them still, in a different physical form. Reincarnation is a core belief among this Clan, with most believing that once the soul is reintroduced into the tidal cycle of life, it eventually is swept towards its next destination and physical form. There have been several cats within the last 100 years that Shoreshimmer has believed to be reincarnations, with one even believed to be Tuna herself. To make a claim that one is reincarnated is a bold claim, though, and one will fall under intense scrutiny if found to be lying. Telltale signs of potential reincarnation might be something as innocuous as an uncommon quirk, or an apprentice picking a piece of sea glass during their Shorewalk Rite that had been previously cast into the ocean upon a previous cats death, still engraved with their symbols and life.

The Ferryman of Souls.

While Shoreshimmer does not worship any outright deities, their core belief system does feature a spiritual figure. Tidemurk, or otherwise known as "The Ferryman of Souls", acts as a guide to the lost souls of the deceased. He is not a god, nor does he have any say in ones death, he is merely the guide in the in-between. This is his sole duty, and he does so with complete neutrality. There is no benevolence or malevolence to be found here. Tidemurk appears as a spectral tom, fur ragged and covered in brine and barnacles, his tail tangled with long lengths of seaweed. He looks as if he has spent an eternity at sea, and perhaps he has. With a luminescent body outlined in the same glowing green that shines in place of his eyes, he rises out of the tides surrounded by mist as he comes to guide a soul back to the cycle. Tidemurk is an interesting figure, as many have claimed to have genuinely seen him, pacing the shoreline during harsh storms as if searching for any lost soul that might join him soon. It is also claimed that, while he is not much of a talker, he enjoys hearing a good story and listens to any that cats are willing to share with him.

CUSTOMS & RITES.

Being as involved with the tides and cycle of life as they are, Shoreshimmer practices several customs and rites that revolve around their spiritual beliefs and core values. Life and death are to be celebrated equally, and group activities are commonly done to promote camaraderie among the Clan. This also includes the Clans specialty traits and unique roles, being diving and craftsmanship, as these are both highly valued and respected roles among Shoreshimmer.

New Births.

Every new birth is celebrated as the Clan welcomes an old soul into a new life. A Hearthkeeper will announce the kits names, and the Clan is encouraged to give the new parent/s congratulations and welcome the new kits into their community. A small feast typically accompanies this welcome as the cats muse what the kits futures might be like, a true celebration of new life. Of course, done quietly as to not disturb the babs.

The Shorewalk Rite.

This tradition has roots tracing way back several generations ago, created by the past Apothecary, Seadrift. Seadrift had proposed the further usage of the sea glass on their shores not only for decorative purposes, but to carry a connection to the shore itself with them always, symbolically further connecting their link to the ocean. And thus, the Shorewalk Rite was introduced. It has evolved over the decades, but the premise has always remained the same. Once a kit is old enough to become an apprentice, they are taken to the shoreline on a quiet day, and they must search for a perfect piece of sea glass. This piece of glass symbolizes their connection to their Clan and to the ocean, and once chosen, an artisan will craft it into a decorative accessory for the cat to wear for the rest of their life. They may inscribe whatever they wish on this glass, as it is theirs and theirs alone.

Terncry's Leap.

The symbolic transition from apprentice to their fully realized pursuit, a graduated apprentice will be brought to the far end of the jetty, where Terncry had taken their first dive into the ocean generations ago. This ceremony is done on a calmer day, with the apprentice surrounded by Clanmates, who watch as they receive their fully realized name, and as the apprentice leaps from the end of the jetty into the ocean waves, letting it surround them. This is a highly celebrated ceremony, and many of the Clan will joyously dive in after their newly named kin, spending a good amount of time playing in the water together and basking on the rocks.

Shimmering Years.

To make it to one's twilight years is a feat among wildcats, and those who make it to these great ages may take their place among the elders of the Clan. This is a celebrated moment, and the Clan will gather to congratulate said new elder on their advancement and their wisdom that's been gained after so many years. Family in particular are encouraged to spend time with their loved one during this transitional phase. This celebration is less a feast type of gathering and more of a large group sharing activity.

Casting of Glass.

When a cat within Shoreshimmer passes away, their body is wrapped in cleaned kelp and covered in shells, before they are buried among the cliffs. Because the ocean brings back what floats away at sea, drifting a body out to sea is too difficult. Instead, the sea glass that the cat has worn since their apprenticeship is taken and cast into the ocean, symbolically sending the cats soul back to the tidal cycle. This is not only a time of mourning, but a celebration of the cats life. Death is the natural next step in the cycle, so there is a level of comfort that their loved ones soul returns to the world in some fashion. Much like the new birth customs, a small feast will accompany this rite as cats celebrate their deceased kins accomplishments and life, and mourn their death.

Driftwood Stories.

An end of the autumn tradition where the Clan gathers in Coral Cove together, sharing stories. They toss a piece of driftwood to and fro, and whoever catches it shares a story from the past, or the current year, and what they hope for in spring. Elders particularly enjoy this tradition, with the oldest among them sharing Clan history with the younger generations.

Stormwatching.

Being on the coast has exposed Shoreshimmer to many storms throughout their history, forecasters have become a highly valuable role within Shoreshimmer Clan as they watch for incoming storms and weather changes as to give the Clan early warning. However, it is not always impending destruction and storm surges when a storm is spotted on the horizons! On rare occasions where a storm shelf can be spotted from the cliffs and shore, cats of the Clan may gather together to watch it as it either slowly treads their way, or goes another direction completely. Kits and apprentices are often brought out on shore near the caves to watch incoming storms as to grow accustomed to what they bring and not harbor any fear.

Courting.

Fancy someone do we? In Shoreshimmer, while there isn't necessarily any specific ceremony revolving around relationships and mateship, there are a few practices for courting another cat that one may like! Due to their proximity to the ocean and their coastal home, these practices often involve the treasures of the sea and sometimes even craftsmanship! When a Shoreshimmer cat is interested in courting another, they will often begin to scout low tides and tidal pools to collect beautiful and rare items that wash up on shore. These treasures may include polished sea glass, unique and smooth stones, particularly beautiful and colorful shells, or even human items. There are often jokes and lighthearted teasings about seeing one scouring the shore for pretty items, with Clanmates often not buying it if told that it's for no special reason. Once the perfect item has been found, it is presented to the cat that one wishes to court. If accepted, the courted cat will respond in kind by presenting an item. As the relationship deepens, the pair will begin a shared tradition of gathering treasures together during low tide walks. Over time, they may create a small collection of special and unique items to their relationship.

Craftsmanship.

A particularly creative group, Shoreshimmer has always held fascination with crafting. Artisans at heart (and in Rank), Shoreshimmer adorns themselves with paw-crafted accessories made from tough beach grass, dried kelp, sea glass and smooth stones, miscellaneous human objects such as hooks or nets, shells from mollusks (snails) and bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams) and beetle shells! And this is just for decorations and accessories! They will also utilize driftwood, rocks and reeds to create architecture such as separated dens and nests or reinforce specific areas of a cave, but it is not uncommon for them to utilize smaller pieces of these in accessories! Sea glass plays a very large part in the Shorewalk Rite, mentioned above.

Diving.

Over the decades of inhabiting the shores, Shoreshimmer Clan has taken to diving into the sea for items and food, and have become quite adept at it too. Some have become more adept at it than others, and many of which pursue the Clans unique rank called 'Deep Divers'. It is from the ocean that these cats will pull food and crafting items, from the depths of the ocean floor and kelp forests that surround the coastline. Shoreshimmer cats in general have adapted larger lungs and increased lung capacity, as well as webbed paws to aid in diving and swimming.

UNIQUE CUSTOMS.

Rite of the Changing Tides.

Leadership will change, come and go, and shift as time moves on. Through the connection to the tides, Shoreshimmer has developed a rite for prospective leaders to go through, both Landbound and Seabound, called the Rite of the Changing Tides. These newly announced leaders must go through this rite to obtain their nine lives in accordance to the Clans spiritual beliefs.

Prospective leaders must head to the southern sandy shores of their territory where massive, bleached whale bones called the "Past Remnants" lay in the sand, far past the time of the whales death. It is here the prospective leader must sit in contemplation among the bones for a full day and night, watching the ocean in meditation. During this time they may not eat or sleep, simply meditate, contemplating life and death, watching the oceans and its tides, and how everything is intertwined. This symbolizes their patience and understanding of the rise and fall of the tides and ocean, and its cycles.

From here they will enter a cavern called "Tidal Keep", a low-lying cavern that is only accessible during low tide. As the tide rises and ocean water laps at their paws, as sea spray and mist fills the cavern, it is here that the souls of the cycle will appear to the leader. With each beat of the waves, a new soul will appear in the sea mist as if rising out of the ocean itself, and grant the leader a life. With each life given, the leader feels a new thrum of energy and invigoration, as if the ocean itself was pulsing within their veins. This ultimately symbolizes that like the waves, the leader will need to be fluid, but unwavering, and that the heart of the ocean beats within the heart of the Clan. The leader will remain here in contemplation after receiving their lives until it is once again low tide and the leader may exit the cave and return to camp, where they welcomed as a new and cycle-blessed leader.

TRAITS, RELATIONS & THREATS.

common traits.

Webbed Paws. Developed over time with their aquatic and swimming tendencies.

Hooked Claws. Their claws have developed to be more hook-like to aid in catching aquatic prey and for better grasp on the wet rocks of the shore.

Oily, Two-Layered Coat. With a soft and downy undercoat for insulation, and a slick outer coat to repel water in their cold and wet environment. Ranges from sleek to thick; not typically too thick as to prevent waterlogging.

Coat Colors. Often blues and lilacs (dilutes), and silver (caused by an inhibitor gene, different from dilutes). Ginger and genetically red cats are more uncommon.

Patterns. Ticked tabby, classic tabby, and sokoke tabby are all very common. Smoke and ghost tabby patterns are quite common as well.

White Spotting. Typically lower in amount, or absent.

Body Type. A thicker body type with powerful legs to aid in swimming, and higher fat content due to diet and environment. Their tails are thick and rudder-like, and their faces tend to be rounder.

Ears. Smaller and more rounded ears to help keep water out.

Mutations. Polydactylism is common, and often aids in grip along the rocks.

relations.

Torrentfall. A long standing and tense rivalry has affected Shoreshimmer's relations with Torrentfall since their founding years. While they on and off maintain treaties and tentative peace, they are constantly on the brink of falling back into skirmishes and hostilities. Neutral leaning hostile.

Thornrush. An altruistic ally, Shoreshimmer has always held a deep respect for what Thornrush has stood for, and how often they attempt to intervene in conflicts between themselves and their river dwelling neighbors. Positive, potential ally-ship.

Mistshroud. Not typically a Clan that Shoreshimmer sees outside of festivals and gatherings, the two Clans have maintained a steady distance from one another. At worst, Shoreshimmer finds their secretive nature distasteful, while Mistshroud believes them to be too lighthearted. Neutral.

Skyreach. This pair of Clans has maintained good standing with one another since Skyreach's creation, being one of the first Clans to welcome the newly fledged peak dwellers. While run-ins are not particularly common with each other, they have remained amicable towards one another. Positive, leaning neutral.

threats.

Predators. The threat of predators is not just limited to the land of their territory, such as the usual marine wolves and brown bears. Danger lurks within the seas as well, in the form of sea lions, orcas, and rarely sharks. Aerial predators are not entirely uncommon as well, with seasonal Osprey opportunistically being able to hunt small cats.

Pollution. Due to the fact that their lifestyle is built on the oceans and tidal marshes, the health of the water is paramount to the health of the Clan. Polluted water not only drives prey populations down through sickness and death, the ingestion of this prey is dangerous for the cats as well, sometimes even resulting in death. If polluted water comes in, it not only affects the shore, but the marshes and estuary as well, strongly limiting the amount of safe hunting grounds for the Clans.

Storms. Naturally, one of the biggest threats that Shoreshimmer faces is the constant influx of storms coming in off of the ocean, bringing with it intense rains and strong winds, storm surges, and floods. Severe storms harshly limit where the Clan can go and risks flooding out their camp, and intense waves make the beach a very dangerous place to be. Cats can be swept out to sea, or get caught in a rip current and drown with ease.

TERRITORY & CAMP.

Shoreshimmer Clan's territory lies on the west and southwest side of the five Clans, primarily composed of sandy and rocky shoreline and beach dunes. To the north end of their territory, the shoreline becomes rocky and filled with tidal pools at low tide, and high rising bluffs that are pocked with caverns. As the ground rises to meet the sides of the bluffs is where Shoreshimmer makes their primary camp; caverns that were carved out millennia ago that now mostly lie out of reach of the seas grasp.

Towards the middle, an estuary lies, the mouth of a large river emptying out into the ocean and creating a slurry of brackish water. The tidal marshes lay on either side of this river further inland, and any forested grounds are more salt-resistant plants such as reeds, species of grasses, and willows. The estuary, its riverbeds, and the marshes are one of the most highly contested pieces of territory among the five Clans, with both Shoreshimmer and Torrentfall feeling as though both have claim to it.

To the south of the territory, the shoreline becomes sandy with patches of smoothed pebbles that have washed ashore overtime. It is typically here that the Shorewalk Rite takes place, when an apprentice seeks out a piece of sea glass for themselves. Beach dunes covered in beach grass create a sort of barrier between the shore and inland here, and driftwood is commonly found in tangled up piles. To the far south, massive bleached bones rise out of the sand, the remnants of a whale long past.

Shoreshimmer's camp is located in a small, higher elevated cavern system that had been carved out of the bluffs hundreds if not thousands of years ago. The main cavern is the largest, with several smaller ones connected to it. Cracks in the walls allow light to further filter in, and each cavern is highly decorated. Windchimes hang near the entrance, creating a soft melody as the breeze comes in off the coast, and driftwood sculptures and reinforcements are scattered around. Ranks are not necessarily separated out due to Shoreshimmer's focus on community, and most cats will simply build their nests nearest to their loved ones. The medics and apothecaries cave is the second largest, full of hollowed out driftwood and cairns to keep herbs for longer. Many nests made from softer materials dot this cavern. Another cavern of note is the "quiet cave", a medium sized cavern off to the side, with many cracks and gaps within the walls that have been filled with colorful sea glass, as to allow the light that filters in to hit the ground in colors.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS.

Past Remnants.

Whale bones from a beached wall long ago. Prospective leaders spend time here during the Rite of Changing Tides to meditate on the cycle of life and death and the ocean itself. Otherwise, this location does not hold much for foraging or hunting, but apprentices do tend to be especially fascinated with visiting it due to the sheer size of the skeleton.

Coral Cove.

A well protected cove and beach tucked between the bluffs and sandy shores. The center of the cove is deep and filled with cold-water coral, with waves typically breaking outside of the cove only allowing rolling currents to drift inside. The beach is sandy and on sunny days, very warm. Many unique and beautiful shells wash up on the sands, and elders favor this location due to the general calmness.

Tidal Pools.

When the tide disperses and the water returns to the sea, the rocky shoreline holds many tide pools that shelter many different critters that await for the tides to return. A favored hunting spot by the most surefooted, prowlers and deep divers will frequent this area for easier prey, and artisans follow close behind for beached trinkets. Be careful here, though, the rocks are wet and slippery!

Rivermouth.

An estuary where the snaking river connects the freshwater to the sea in a semi-enclosed bay, creating a slurry of brackish water. Unique plants and aquatic life can be found here, those that are more salt tolerant than others. Willows and evergreens dot the riverbanks leading up to the mouth, and tidal marshes cusp the fringes where the two waters meet. A highly contested area.

Flat Marshes.

The tidal marshes that border the estuary and Rivermouth. These fill with water as the tide comes in, bringing with them sea critters and birds alike, while when empty of water they provide many unique and usable herbs to the Clan. The mud here is perfect training grounds to teach apprentices how to move in mud and water without heavy threat of drowning.

Southern Beach.

The southern beach of the territory is composed of sand and beach dunes, with the shoreline becoming intricately designed when the tide goes back out. Sea glass in particular wash up here, and creatures such as crabs and clams can be found hidden underneath the waterlogged sand. Tough beach grass is harvested here for multitudes of reasons.

Saltpath Isle.

A small islet that is typically only accessible to the Clan during low tide due to the distance and depths of the water. Saltpath Isle typically acts as a private meeting spot, whether it be apprentices plotting something, high ranks collaborating, or just Clanmates that are seeking a moment of peace.

Kelp Forest.

Slightly further offshore, a kelp forest sways endlessly in the oceanic current. This area is high-risk, high-reward, as prey and items are bountiful here, but the kelp hides dangers such as aquatic predators, or the kelp itself can tangle around the legs of the inexperienced. Typically only the most experienced deep divers come here to gather food or items, as to not risk the safety of others.

Northern Beach & Jetty.

A series of rock formations that lead into the open sea. Graduated apprentices will travel here to complete Terncry's Leap, marking this location as a place of joy and personal bounty. Moons of erosion have beaten dappling tidal pools into the beach’s flat, which often home crabs and flavorful mussels; the stones that compose this beach are sun-warmed and luxurious on the very best of days, but can form wickedly jagged silhouettes when the tide claws against its edge.

Stormsight Bluffs.

A cliffside that overlooks the raging ocean. Seabirds make their home along the rocky edge, and sea-mist constantly buffets and sweeps along the drygrass above. A terrific waterfall roars from somewhere deep in the earth, and cats who ramble near the edge will find the fall impossibly high. As whales breach and bellow in the waters below, forecasters often linger here, their senses pitched to the horizon beyond.

Southern Dunes.

Among the tallgrass and salty breeze is a stretch of gentle, rolling dunes. Home to a plethora of various medicinal herbs, as well as small creatures that nestle in the undergrowth; medics and prowlers alike harvest their bounty here. The warm, silken sands provide natural shelter, rising high enough to protect cats from fierce gusts that occasionally sweep inland, but low enough to spot the glistening ocean beyond, where the horizon seems to melt into the sky.

Big Willow.

Tucked away among the evergreens, a single, ancient willow stretches gracefully toward the earth. Its sweeping branches sway gently, enshrouded in a veil of cascading growth; the earth is soft and mossy beneath paws. Those inclined toward the spiritual or divine often come to sit in quiet meditation beneath the willow, but to others, the air is sweet with the promise of something more. A place for whispered confessions and secret glances.

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