TORRENTFALL CLAN

"Torrentfall Clan, we are forged in the relentless flow of rivers and the fierce crash of storms. We do not break; we bend, we endure, and we rise from the aftermath. Alone, we are streams, but united, we are an unstoppable current, a flood that none can stand against."

-Ripley, founder of Torrentfall Clan

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adaptability | resilience | preservation

overview

The thunderous roar of rushing water and cascading falls marks where Torrentfall Clan has made their home, against all odds. A strongly stubborn and resilient lot, they were the second Clan to be founded in the forest by a loner named Ripley. Ripley held fascination with the elements and how anything could survive in such extreme waters, and made it their goal to be something that could survive here. The territory that makes up Torrentfall Clans home is uneven and rocky terrain, marked by many rushing rivers and waterfalls as they flow down from the peaks above. Trees here are a mix of deciduous and coniferous, with some turning brilliant colors as they seasons change, while others remain green even when the snow falls. These rivers flow into the large central lake of the area, of which in turn flows out towards the highly coveted estuary and ocean.

The falls are really the staple of their territory, and where the Clan obtained its namesake. The rushing white water rapids, the mist rising up from where the water crashes in on itself... these rivers never cease, and it is from here Ripley focused their ideals on adaptability and resilience. The rivers have carved through and shaped the land, and in turn have carved and shaped the cats of Torrentfall through its generations.

There is a large focus on precision within the Clan, knowing that a misstep can lead to one being swept away by the rapids. Everything that the cats of Torrentfall do, they do with expert accuracy. They have developed unique ways to survive here through time, and these have been passed down as and are highly regarded as law within the Clan. Adaptability is survival, and these adaptations in turn become tradition. By the end of the day, Torrentfall does everything they can to preserve themselves and their way of life, often refusing outside help due to this ideal that only they know how to navigate these rough waters.

While they do not revere the rivers the same way that Shoreshimmer reveres the ocean as a living thing, the winding waterways hold some spiritual significance. In death, ones soul is carried away by the rivers in the Endless Current, and brought to their final resting place in the afterlife, whether it be calm and serene waters or crushing waters that drag one under forever. Torrentfall also reveres the Riverborn Pantheon: five deities that sway and control the waters in some way.

LEADERSHIP MODEL.

While Torrentfall is rigid in its views and traditions, this does not typically mean that the leader is so far disconnected from their Clan that their voices do not matter. Torrentfall Clan stands together, and historically the leaders of the Clan have valued the voices of their kin, moving forward with everyone and leaving no one behind. Ultimately, though, the Leader is expected to make the end-all be-all decision and do what they believe is right for their Clan, whether each clanmate agrees with it or not. The land they live in is harsh, and it requires cooperation among everyone regardless of personal thoughts. Their leadership model is the usual triumvirate: one leader, one deputy, and one apothecary. They are expected to help and lead the Clan by example, and are expected to do what is right and best for the Clan, and the Clan alone.

Leader.

Deputy.

SPIRITUALITY.

At the start, Torrentfall lacked any form of spirituality. Unlike Tuna, Ripley did not bring with them any preexisting notions about the currents and waters, just mere fascination and respect. It was not until a few years post-founding did a spiritual reverence begin for the riparian waters that they built their home around. This came from a cat called Newteyes, a healer who had almost drowned while attempting to reach another cat. She had been pulled under by the rapids, surely a death sentence for most, if not by drowning then surely the blunt force impact against the rocks will do it. But against all odds, Newteyes washed ashore downstream in the calmer waters, relatively unscathed. A miracle, if Torrentfall had ever seen one. Newteyes claimed to have been cradled by the current itself, protecting her as the river continued to rush. She felt a comfort in it, as if being gently held by a loved one. From here, the rivers began to take on a more spiritual respect. The Riverborn Pantheon did not develop until several years later from this incident. Nowadays, Torrentfall Clan holds a deep spiritual belief and reverence for the rapids and the falls.

The Endless Currents.

When one dies, their soul has to go somewhere. And for Torrentfall Clan, the soul undertakes a journey through the rapids to the beyond, wherever it may be. But it is not just any river that ones soul must traverse, it is The Endless Currents: a vast and never-ending river that delivers the souls of the deceased to their final resting place. This river weaves in-between the worlds of life and death, a portal that divides yet connects all the same. Every cat's spirit must eventually traverse this sacred river to the beyond, with their journey in death being determined by their deeds in life. The body of the deceased is adorned with aromatic herbs, and they are buried with a piece of buoyant driftwood to aid in floating down the river and remaining afloat.

Final Resting Places.

The Eternal Currents do not remain a singular river the whole way through: it branches and breaks off into several different paths, each with a varying degree of turbulence or calmness. Each branch represents a different fate for the souls of Torrentfall Clan.

Serene Depths. A branch of the river eventually leads to a tranquil lake, with waters so calm the surface reflects the skies like a mirror. The souls of the honorable and noble come to rest here, free of worry, allowed to endlessly drift through gentle currents and the warm, still waters. Cats who lived with integrity, loyalty, and selflessness find themselves here, finally at peace. This is considered the ideal resting place, akin to an eternal paradise, surrounded by the soothing sounds of flowing water.

Raging Rapids. Souls who have lived with anger, vengeance, or cruelty are swept into a different branch: The Raging Rapids. These waters are tumultuous, constantly churning, pulling cats into an endless cycle of chaos and turmoil. This is a form of eternal punishment for those whose actions brought suffering to others. Their souls are said to struggle against the currents for eternity, never finding peace.

Still Pool. Reserved for those who died young or whose lives were tragically cut short, the Still Pool is a quiet and unmoving section of the Endless Currents. It is said to offer solace and contemplation for souls who were not given the chance to complete their journey in life. These spirits are believed to wait in the Still Pool until they are ready to move on.

Abyss. The darkest part of the Eternal Currents, the Abyss is a place of oblivion and void. Reserved for those who betrayed the Clan or committed unforgivable deeds, it is believed that once a soul is claimed by the Abyss, it is lost forever, swallowed by the depths with no hope of redemption.

"The Storms Eye". A legend that tells of a cat named Tidebreaker who sought to defy the Endless Currents and rule both the living and the dead. For their hubris, they were cast into a storm, a violent, eternal tempest within the river. Torrentfall Clan cats tell this tale as a warning against arrogance and the desire to control the waters or fate.

The Riverborn Pantheon.

Gradually over time, Torrentfall Clan did not only revere the currents, but as they faced trials and tribulations, deities began to form as well. Initially, it was believed that the intense storms and flooding they faced as a sign of their spirits disapproval from beyond. But overtime, the Clans seers began to question whether such overwhelming forces could truly be caused by the spirits alone. During this time of crisis, members of the Clan began to experience strange visions, feeling the presence of powerful, god-like beings within the water and weather. These entities seemed to transcend the ancestors, leading to the development of the Riverborn Pantheon. These deities did not appear to the Clan all at once, but over time, with each emerging through natural phenomena or profound visions.

Tidecaller's Emergence (First Deity). Tidecaller, the deity of tides and oceans, was the first of the pantheon to make his presence known. During an unusually high storm surge that affected even Torrentfall's territory, the leader at the time, Shorestar, had a vision. A giant wave, much the surges that had flooded the lower part of the territory, that spoke with a deep and rumbling voice. Tidecaller's message was clear: the water was not simply a force to be feared, but respected and venerated as well. This revelation marked the shift in the development of the pantheon.

Stormmother's Wrath (Second Deity). Not long after Tidecaller's emergence, a relentless storm ravaged the land, lasting several days. Cats reported hearing voices in the thunder, and the lightning strikes seemed unnaturally precise, as if guided by an unseen hand. It was during this storm that Stormmother, the deity of storms and lightning, revealed herself. Some cats claimed to see her silhouette in the clouds, her eyes flashing with each bolt of lightning. She demanded respect and reverence, making it clear that her wrath would continue unless properly honored.

Ripplewind's Playfulness (Third Deity). During a season of relative peace, Torrentfall Clan began to notice unusual patterns in the rivers and streams. The currents seemed playful, changing direction suddenly, as if alive. Ripplewind, the trickster deity of rivers and motion, was soon discovered. His presence was less menacing than the previous deities, manifesting through strange ripples and mysterious reflections in the water. He introduced a lighter, more playful aspect to the pantheon, representing change, unpredictability, and curiosity.

Frostveil's Winter (Fourth Deity). In one of the harshest winters the Clan had ever faced, the rivers froze solid, and hunting became nearly impossible. It was then that Frostveil, the deity of snow and ice, made herself known. The Clan's apothecary at the time, Berryrime, recieved a chilling vision of a cat cloaked in frost, with eyes that glowed like ice in the moonlight. Frostveil's appearance symbolized survival in the face of extreme cold, and she quickly became a deity the Clan turned to during the winter months for protection and endurance.

Brookheart's Serenity (Fifth Deity). The last of the pantheon to emerge was Brookheart, the deity of lakes and still waters. His appearance followed a period of peace and recovery after the disasters brought on by the other deities. In the reflection of the lake at its stillest, Berryrime saw a calm, serene figure that spoke softly of peace and contemplation. Brookheart became the deitiy that Torrentfall Clan looked to for internal reflection and guidance during times of quiet, as well as for healing after conflicts.

CUSTOMS & RITES.

Practical and adaptable, Torrentfall Clan practices customs that define who they are and how they survive. Adaptability is a tradition, and this tradition has stayed strong within the Clan for generations. Many of their customs and rites revolve around fish, the rapids or the falls of the territory, with some relating to the colors of the leaves in the autumn, and even further scarcely, forms of crafting.

Riverweaving Celebration.

Once a year, the Riverweaving Festival takes place during the transition between summer to autumn, when the waters are calm and weather favorable. During this festival, cats of all ranks sit in contemplation as they weave together reeds and river plants that were gathered into intricate patterns. Some particularly crafty cats may even be able to weave something that can hold items or things, those 'things' typically being fireflies. This festival promotes teamwork, with all ranks working together. The woven creations are released into the river at the end of the festival, believed to carry the cats wishes to the beyond.

Droplet Naming.

Upon new births, it is customary for parents to withhold their kits names from the Clan until this ceremony takes place. Once the kits are old enough to walk and interact with the world, they are brought to a small stream near camp and allowed to play in the trickling water as their first introduction to the rivers of the territory. It is here that the parent(s) will announce the kits names to the Clan, and it is here that the Clan will officially congratulate the new parent(s).

Weather Preparation.

Being no strangers to intense flooding within their home territory, once every wet season comes back around the forecasters, leader, deputy, and apothecary walk the territory to review historical flood lines. They discuss evacuation plans and mark routes that are to be used, ensuring that each are clear in case they need to be used that season. This preparation is tantamount, as being unprepared is sometimes even more deadly than the flood itself.

Cleansing Waters.

Before a cat can transition to elder, they must first cleanse themselves of the struggles of their youthful years. To grow old in this environment is a feat, and an elder should be allowed to rest in the remainder of their years free of worry and stress. Once ready, the to-be elder is brought to one of the many rivers of the territory, where they submerge themselves fully in the water, allowing it to symbolically wash away the struggles of their younger years. They emerge refreshed, and carrying the wisdom of their experiences.

Floodmoon Festival.

When the winter melts away and the rivers swell with the mountain runoff, it is officially a sign that spring has sprung. Once a year, during these spring floods, the Clan holds the Floodmoon Festival. This celebration focuses on the Clan's resilience and how they have overcome many obstacles in their history. Over time, this has become not just a Torrentfall celebration, but one that they share with their neighboring Clans as each has made it yet another year. One of the rare occasions where other Clan's are invited to Torrentfall's territory, it is a particularly good for keeping tensions low. This festival is often marked by feasting on preserved and fermented foods, the sharing of stories between Clans, and tomfoolery that younger cats may get up to. Despite their practical and in-their-way nature, this is a rare chance for the Clan to relax and simply enjoy what is.

Salmon-Catch.

An autumnal festivity marked by outrageous amounts of fish! When it is time for salmon to spawn, they swim inland and up rivers to return to their spawning grounds in large groups, filling the rivers with bright red and green scales. This custom is a true test of a Fisher's mettle and showing that they are worth their salt, as it is the roles responsibility to catch as many salmon as possible. Which is not easy when your prey is as big as you, if not bigger, with more muscle to boot! Fisher's all work together to craft nets and traps to aid in catching the massive beasts. This custom is marked by the consumption of a lot of salmon, and the preservation of what is left to store for the winter!

Fishing.

The rivers bring life, year after year. Trout, carp, bass, salmon, these fish have become a staple within Torrentfall Clan, becoming their primary food source. Naturally, though, this requires the cats to fish for these large specimens, and when some can reach as big as you, that becomes a daunting task. It can be done with nothing but your claws, paws, fangs, and wit, but ever practical, the crafters of Torrentfall have come up with unique ways of gathering these large species of fish. Work smarter, not harder! Woven together with saplings, reeds, and sticks, they have been able to make nets and basket traps! The nets aid in the capture of larger species, especially during spawning times, as they swim and become tangled in the woven piece, upon which the net is pulled and a killing blow is delivered to any fish caught up in it. The baskets are moreso for smaller fish, but work like a charm nonetheless, as they swim inside and cannot find their way out due to the way the weavings cave inward! These fish are the most common form of prey this Clan indulges in, both fresh and preserved.

Preserving.

Winters can be brutal, the frigid waters causing prey to disperse, fish to swim to where it may be warmer, migrational patterns affecting all sorts of life. It is not just winters, though, as other seasons can bring many different forms of difficulties. Droughts, floods, you name it. And all of these things make catching something to eat a tedious process, a problem when you have many hungry mouths to feed and bellies to fill. So to combat this, Torrentfall began exploring the concept of "preservation". It started with burying prey in cool places or storing them within cool rock piles to slow decomposition, and then followed the idea of sun-drying. And most recently, they have taken to salting and curing prey. And the best part? It is not just food that this works for, but herbs as well, becoming a saving grace during harsh seasons when certain herbs cannot be found! This tradition is seen as somewhat strange, but logical, in the eyes of other Clans who would prefer to eat cooked or fresh food, rather than something that has been sitting there for some time.

UNIQUE CUSTOMS.

Rite of the Drowning River.

One of the most dangerous customs of Torrentfall Clan, if not out of all of the Clans, the Rite of the Drowning River is reserved for prospective leaders who are ready to take their place. To live, one must drown and emerge anew, invigorated with the strength of the river itself. This rite symbolizes their acceptance of the raw power of the water that the Clan so deeply reveres, and their willingness to push for survival and sacrifice. This is not a rite for the faint of heart.

Once ready and prepared, prospective leaders are brought to the "Thunderpool", the most dangerous and most central location within their territory where the water is composed of the raging and cascading waters from surrounding waterfalls, creating a dangerous, swirling pool. From here, they must enter the river and submit themselves entirely, in mind and body, to the currents. They are dragged deep under, fighting the urge to resist the currents, and as they descend further and further into the frigid waters, they will slip into unconsciousness.

When awaking, it is not in the physical realm, but the afterlife, the Endless Currents in the Serene Depths, where the water is still and shimmering, painting a serene picture. They do not feel the water in their lungs of reality, no pressure of deep water dragging them down, just the lap of water against their paws as the Serene Depths welcomes them into its hold.

Ancestors and deceased loved ones and kin will approach the leader, emerging from the gentle waters, the dance of the waters reflection painting their fur in wondrous ways. The leader will be granted their nine lives, one from each. As opposed to the life giving thrum of Shoreshimmer's life ceremony, Torrentfall's feels as though they are being crushed by the weight of the water before feeling breath returning to them each time, granting them the grit and resilience needed to rise from the depths again and again. Once over, the cat will resurface and be pulled to the riverbank by awaiting Clanmates who will bear witness to the first breath the cat will take as new leader.

TRAITS, RELATIONS & THREATS.

common traits.

Webbed Paws. Much like Shoreshimmer, these have developed over time due to their aquatic tendencies.

Two-Layered Coat. Due to their aquatic tendencies once more, two layered coats are quite common. The difference being that with Torrentfall, the outer layer is more semi-repellent and sleeker, as opposed to oily. Thick and bushy fur types can be found here commonly as well.

Coat Colors. Varies heavily and runs the full gamut between black to fawn, including chocolate and cinnamon. Dilute tortoiseshells are relatively common here, and the silver inhibitor gene is common as well.

Patterns. Darker points such as mink, seal, or sepia are common. Mackerel, classic, marbled classic and spotted are the most common tabby patterns. Russian topaz coats and eyes are quite common as well.

White Spotting. Wide range between high spotting to none.

Body Type. Stockier and more rigid, these cats have are built with heavier muscle and high fat content, somewhat helping prevent grievous fall injuries. Their tails are often long and plume-like to aid in balance on the rocks and in swimming. Strong shoulders, legs and neck. Their faces tend to be more blocky and square.

Ears. Smaller and more rounded to help aid in keeping water out.

Mutations. Polydactylism is common within this Clan as well, and heterochromia tends to be found here moreso than other Clans. Very rarely one might find the Finnish coat mutation.

relations.

Shoreshimmer. The tensions between these two Clans has been decaying their relations for decades, simmering beneath flimsy treaties and formalities. Torrentfall is growing weary of their shore dwelling neighbors, more and more everyday. Negative, hostile.

Mistshroud. The two, while initially starting out on relatively neutral terms, have come to view one another in a more negative light ever since Torrentfall's acceptance of Skyreach Clan. While nothing scathing has been said or done, they prefer to outright avoid one another. Neutral, leaning negative.

Thornrush. While previously Thornrush's interventions and diplomacy had been accepted and even appreciated, it has gotten to a point where Torrentfall generally views Thornrush as a meddler, and one who favors Shoreshimmer at that. Neutral, previously positive.

Skyreach. Perhaps Torrentfall's one consistent ally despite the rocky beginning the two Clan's had with one another. Being one of the Clans that Torrentfall comes into most contact with, the two often trade and exchange messages, Skyreach often reaching out to ensure no one was hurt after a landslide or rockfall. While still warming up, relations are relatively positive. Positive, potential allyship.

threats.

Floods.

Landslides & Rockfalls.

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