THE JAGGEDCRAGS

territory.

The JaggedCrag territory is found north of the other two clowders; it is a vast land of ice, tundra, and steep mountains… some of which are actively volcanic. They have a coastline of their own, with black sands, dramatic rock formations, and infamously rough seas. Water is not scarce here, as glacial formations provide clean, stunning sources in the forms of pools, waterfalls, and rivers across the land. Within the mountains and glaciers, caves and tunnels hollowed out by time (and lava) are common routes for efficient travel or protection from the harsh Winter moons. South of the mountains are grand valleys of flourishing green. Forests are sparse, and those that do exist are mostly coniferous.

Common predators are arctic foxes, various birds of prey, polar bears, minks, and orcas in the chilled waters. Wildlife includes puffins, wild horses, reindeer, seabirds, whales, and sheep. Sheep are sacred to the clowder. Prey is primarily rodents, rabbits, freshwater fish, and occasional snakes.

The JaggedCrags have both a Winter and Summer camp within their territory. In the Winter moons, their camp is found in a deep cavern below the mountains with a large, glowing glacial pool in the center. The cats build their nests together on the darkest end, leaving the rest of the cavern as open space. The air is warmed by the surrounding chambers of magma. The Summer camp is located beneath a large waterfall at the edge of the mountains; dens are located behind it in a small cave, hidden from the outside world. The waterfall pools on the bottom and leads off into a river; one that eventually leads to TwilightWhim territory.

culture.

The JaggedCrags are a group stereotyped to be pretentious, deeply serious, and rugged. They seemingly keep their ranks and lifestyle simple and isolated, however, their strength is found in their adaptability and innovative minds. This clowder was founded by thinking outside the box; they chose a territory that was harsh (and a bit unpredictable) and stuck to it, began weaving their lives around the land, surviving simply because they could. Their philosophy revolves around a mission to improve upon those in the past, to constantly analyze the struggles all clowders face, and a need for connection and collaboration— despite their perceived distance, their bonds are strong and often rooted in shared interest or desire. 

This clowder has a distaste for human society and intervention; they believe that they are better off where no hands can touch them, where the land can thrive and no machines dare to go. Instead, these cats have built their own mechanisms; tools that only they can operate and will function as non-destructively as possible. They rely solely on the land around them, only handling trash and displaced human materials to dispose of or give to the other clowders. Although Chitchat is honored as a founder and tremendous influence, the forces of nature are where true JaggedCrag loyalty lies. 

Although not exactly nomadic, the JaggedCrags spend most of their time away from camps and wandering the world around them. They believe that every day has the potential to bring new perspectives, and that a life of pure comfort is one not lived. While these cats do have roles, ranks, and other obligations, it is important for them to carve their own paths and learn how to think independently from their clowder. 

specialty ranks.

Starheart… The leader of the JaggedCrags. Used as both a rank and a personal title. 

Secondary… The second-in-command of the JaggedCrags.

Healer… The herbalist and medic of the clowder. 

Seer… The religious official and serving apprentice under the Oracle within the JaggedCrag clowder. 

specialty roles.

Tunnelkeepers… Cats who help keep the tunnels and caves throughout the territory accessible. 

Hunters… Cats who specialize in hunting for the clowder, although any cat can do so.

Smiths… Cats who use the power of fire and earthen materials to craft tools, wearable items, and other specialties for the clowder. They can also act as messengers to other clowders.

Scouts… Cats who patrol the JaggedCrag territory, conduct search parties, watch the volcano, and make sure common trails are safe to cross year-round.

Preservers… Cats who specialize in the preparation and preservation of various foods; they sometimes work with the fire-taming skills of the Smiths to cook. Responsible for the Stew at the hot springs (see religion section for context).

Skywatchers…         Cats that study the weather and the stars at night. Because there is little human interference to cause light pollution, the JaggedCrags have some of the best views of astronomical events across the land. Skywatchers memorize constellations, changes in planetary alignment (even if they are just bright stars to them), and keep precise records of weather patterns. They have also made calendars. 

symbolism. 

sheep… A human-kept creature common throughout the lowlands in the Winter and in the valleys during the Summer. Sheep symbolize vulnerability as a strength, collaboration, and comradery. Wool is kept in a JaggedCrags’ possession or nest for protection. 

snow… A force of nature very familiar to those in the tundra; the JaggedCrags face long, cold Winters. The snow can represent reassurance, transformation, and the passage of time itself. An early snowfall is seen as good fortune, with the potential to predict an early, plentiful Spring.  

magma/lava… Another force of nature that these cats are familiar with; magma, as seen within the volcanoes, represents powerful potential. It is said that one finding or dreaming of the fiery substance can be an omen of imminent destruction or creation. Lava, as seen outside the volcanoes after an eruption, represents great change and resilience. Although the JaggedCrags understand these forces of nature can be deadly, they respect that it is nature nonetheless; destruction often gives way to creation.  

bones… A symbol of immortality within the JaggedCrags. Keeping a bone from a piece of prey in desperate times can be a call for guidance to the nature around oneself. When said stressors ease, it is common courtesy to return the bone to the earth. The JaggedCrags understand that almost every creature is made of bones, and that their presence is a sign of life or a life once lived. 

ash/smoke/fire… Both an omen of change and chaos, depending on the context; the fires that produce ash and smoke are destructive, and their deeds can leave the world it has ravaged in disarray. The volcanoes spew ash and smoke soon before eruption, an obvious signal for imminent danger. However, a fire can be tamed, and that is something the JaggedCrags have achieved. It can be used to forge one’s desires, perhaps even their own destiny. 

foxes… A creature that roams the tundras and serves as a potential predator to the JaggedCrags. Foxes are seen as symbols of adaptation and cunning, things that the cats believe are important to their own survival. 

aurora… Auroras are a special sight within the JaggedCrag land, although relatively common. A general good omen, these waves of light are seen as a physical embodiment of the Earth’s energies, a direct connection between the land and the stars above. If auroras appear on the nights following a birth or ceremony, it is said to be a sign of honor and greatness. If auroras appear after a death within the clowder, it is a sign of a life well lived, a reassurance that the soul will be returned to the Earth. 

art. 

The JaggedCrags value creations that challenge the norm; although they don’t disapprove of art standards or what the other clowders produce, there are often questions that accompany their own– what is art, and why do cats create it? Why do the other clowders gravitate towards their own common styles? What happens when one challenges these expectations? And so, there is not necessarily a common style found within JaggedCrag, only notable artists. 

If one were to find common characteristics, they would find a lot of experimentation; abstract representations of various things, geometric forms, simple yet eye-catching designs, limited color palettes. Symbolism is highly regarded. The JaggedCrags also have a fondness for earthworks/earth art– they will use any and all parts of the land (that are respectful to use) to create, some of which can be as complex as tools and mechanisms.

These tools and mechanisms, albeit simple compared to human machines, are notably sophisticated for the clowder cats. Some examples include: mini-scythes, bowls, leather/fur-wear, wheels, gauntlets for their Smiths, satchels, and decorative wear/objects. These cats, although sometimes hesitant to share their ideas with the other clowders, take much pride in their work and even accept commissions for specific desires or needs. 

naming conventions. 

JaggedCrag names are usually snappy, short, sometimes a bit nonsensical in meaning or with no meaning at all. Prefixes and suffixes are either focused on the senses or nature-based, with sources rarely going beyond those in their region. Human materials are very rarely included. Restricted name choices are (traditionally): Star/-star, Heart/-heart.

religion. 

The JaggedCrags worship the Earth, specifically the “energies” that everything upon its surface (and beyond) holds. They believe that these energies are not spirits, nor are they Fae; they are something else entirely that works alongside the other clowders and their beliefs. However, if the spirits and the Fae were to disappear, the energies would still be there, holding the world together. They are not something that can be contacted, seen, or moved. 

When a cat is born, it is believed that they are made up of energies from anything and everything, including those in the past. When a cat dies, their body returns to the earth, and the energies are once more dispersed. The energies can be called upon and prayed to, but this method is seen as something that is only reserved for the most desperate of times. Most cats thank the energies for their generosity, a quick acknowledgement of its place all around them, though it is not seen as a cause for trouble if one forgets. The energies have no morals or alignment; they just are. Cats are influenced by them, and the energies in turn are influenced by the living world, but their existence does not guarantee protection or survival.

The JaggedCrags value the concept of immortal life within mortals; the energies are constantly being recycled, and life will continuously march on long after they are gone. To honor this, this clowder and its Preservers have been nurturing a perpetual stew for as long as anyone can remember; it is kept consistently heated by a patch of hot springs along the mountains. Although the Preservers maintain everything about the stew as their role, it is not frowned upon for other dwellers to assist. The hot springs are found in an area everyone knows; it is seen as a great service to the clowder to contribute, based on whatever cats have found on their journeys across the land. Preservers are expected to inspect materials brought to them and keep a record of what has been added or taken out at any given time.

holidays & celebrations.

The JaggedCrags are traditionally regarded as the least celebratory of the three clowders, but that does not mean they are allergic to good times. Their celebrations, whilst being a bit more mellow and secretive, are still important to this clowder. They are seen as times of reflection and appreciation. Most of them center around nature, the weather, and the stars. 

eve of the smiths.

 A midsummer evening in which the Smithing cats showcase their latest creations to the rest of the JaggedCrags (and sometimes, the other clowders). It can be a range of things created within the past year, including improvements on previously shown crafts. Both master Smiths and apprentices are allowed to present; when other clowders attend this convention, it is seen as a perfect opportunity to commission a Smith for something of your own. Alternatively, pieces can be bartered and sold to individuals. This event is inspired directly by the TwilightWhims and their own gallery walks.

day of the cleanse. 

An entire day dedicated to deep cleaning the seasonal camps before migration. Held directly before the Day of Rest. JaggedCrags will work together to get rid of nests, transfer herbs, and make sure all is well within the camp they are leaving, laying it to rest for two seasons before their return. The energies are an important part of this holiday; cats believe the cleaning releases any trapped energies that have gathered in the clowder’s presence, especially those that align negatively. A moment of prayer and meditation is shared at the end of the day, thanking the Earth and its energies for their generosity and allowance of the space shared.

day of rest.

The final day before the seasonal migration from one camp to another. After long hours of cleansing the space cats have called home for half of the year, the JaggedCrags spend quality time together. A great feast is held at sunset; the Winter/Spring Rest is especially significant, as any seasonal additions to the Soup that has been curated all season are fed to the clowder. The Soup cauldron is closed for the Summer and left to simmer, then opened again in the last moon of Autumn.

the equinoxes.

The seasonal equinoxes are the most celebratory of times for the JaggedCrags. No matter the weather, these cats will travel together to meet at the lushest part of their territory. Games are held, performances made, group prayer and feasts are had. If relations are well between the clowders, the others are invited occasionally.