FORESTS, OCEANS, AND PEAKS... ALL SHROUDED IN MIST AND MYSTERY

The world of Ever Rain is a quiet one, but not one without its challenges. Taking place nestled into the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, the five Clans of the area have been shaped by storms, predators, and the environment itself. Floods and droughts alike cannot be underestimated, and support of one another is tantamount. Each Clan has developed a sense of community among themselves, knowing that to survive they need one another. Some Clans reach out to others for alliances and help, further rising above their own sense of self-community, while others will push back on what they view of infringement of their lives. Each of them unique with their own unique culture that started with a founder some odd sum generations ago. Peace and treaties come and go, and life moves on, carrying the story of each cat who has lived and died here onward.

Loosely based on the rainforests of British Columbia, Canada, and southern Alaska, Ever Rain houses a variety of biomes and environments. To the west lies rocky and sandy shores and towering cliffs, sea caves carved out of rock over thousands of years of weather. Towards the south rises an old growth forest featuring coniferous and deciduous trees alike, ranging from firs to towering redwoods, cushioned by a dense underbrush comprised of ferns and brambles. To the east the elevation rises further, the forest type giving way to coniferous evergreens only as they reach towards the sky and are kissed by the mist and clouds. Moving to the center, white water rapids and waterfalls threaten to sweep even the most steady away within this riparian zone, leaving the terrain uneven and difficult. And lastly, to the north rising above even the cloud forests, lies the start of rolling hills and a mountain range, with pockets of evergreen forests and sub-alpine meadows.

The land here is fertile and always damp, receiving at least up to 3 meters (9 feet) of precipitation a year due to where it is located and how the environment is structured. At the center, this water feeds into a large lake, a neutral zone among the Clans. During the autumn, the water reflects the gorgeous arrays of hues as leaves change colors, before freezing over in the winter creating a sleek but thick sheet of ice. To the west of this lake, a large wooden lodge stands, long abandoned by those that built it. Part of the roof has caved in and the doors hang on by a singular hinge, and the fireplace full of soot has not seen fire in many years. This is still a haven, though, for it mostly protects the inside from the weather and wind. On moonlit nights, the moonlight shines through the partially collapsed roof, creating a spotlight effect upon those who stand under it. It is here that the first Gathering was held, and it is here that every Gathering has been since. The leaders take their spots upon the open loft high above the first floor, bathed in moonlight as they speak their peace.

Human interference is rare, but not uncommon here, as hikers may pass through unmarked trails during the warmer months. Rarely, helicopters will fly over head as it searches for radio collared wildlife, or large ships may be seen in the far off distance on the shore. If this does not cause enough chaos, weather and environmental factors create other hazards, such as flooding or even landslides. Large predators are not uncommon here, featuring brown and black bears, wolves, and even wildcats such as bobcats, lynxes, and mountain lions. All in all, it is a challenging place for these Clans to live and thrive, each facing particular challenges over the decades.

But above all, they still call it home.