TideClan camp is a series of small, rocky islands to the south of the Great Valley, fitted with a sandy beach beneath grassy rocks and trees. Their dens are carved out from walls in the sea stack on the main island- however, TideClan doesn't stick to the designated dens very often. While they are official, many cats prefer to sleep underneath the starry sky on warm sands or the stepping stones poking from the shallow waters! Cats can be found roaming and playing amidst the high points of the rocky camp, or nestled in the branches of the trees that grow from cracks in the stone. The fresh-kill pile resides in a small nook, protecting it from seagulls and the harsh sun. During low tide, TideClan's camp grows much larger, and the gaps between the dens and the sandy shore fade away. Clams, crabs, worms, and other creatures can be found squirming about the damp sand during low tide, making good pickings for kits.
TideClan's camp is enterable from all sides, with its natural defense being the fact that cats must cross the ocean waters to invade. Due to its open nature, it's also very easy to spy any threats trying to creep up, or any sneaky Apprentices trying to make a run to play in the Shimmering Sault. While crystal and silk wind chimes are common den decorations, TideClan sets them up in large swathes in the rear portion of camp- making sneaking out through the underbrush difficult without causing a cacophony! During the daylight hours, the sun casts colorful light across the sands.
Of all the rocks in TideClan camp, announcements are made from the pointiest, tallest stone- the Highrock, a sturdy, hollowed-out stone. The current Leader is able to view the entire camp from this standpoint, and address all cats at once. When not being used for announcements, guards may make use of the Highrock to keep a sharp eye on the clan's entranceways.
The Leader's Den resides in the hollowed out Highrock, filled with plush moss and seagrass to keep it insulated against the strong winds. The current Leader decorates it to their liking. Small shelving and alcoves allow for guests to rest within the den, as well as to keep any trinkets or treasures safely tucked away. The den is on the floor of the camp, allowing cats to easily access and speak with the current Leader.
The Guardian's Den is the only den that resides offshore, tucked away in a small, hollowed out island. Dips and shelving on the inside of the den allow for comfortable, warm mossy nests to be created. Multiple cats often nest together, be it in groups of family members, friends, or mates. Most TideClanners keep their valuables higher up in the island, as this den is prone to shallow flooding during the high tide.
The Apprentices Den is the highest up den in the camp, and, likewise, it is the largest and easiest to access. This den is not very sheltered from the cold winds that blow into the camp, and thus, the nests constructed are thick and comfortable. Some apprentices, however, prefer to curl up and sleep on the plush grass and dense shrubbery that reside on the top of the den. During high tide, or particularly nasty storms, cats seek refuge in and on top of the Apprentice's den to keep dry and away from the dangerous waters that flood the camp.
Residing comfortably in a large crack in the sea stack of the northern portion of camp is the Healer's Den- one of the largest dens that TideClan camp has to offer. The Healer's den eats far into the stone, divided into multiple different sections for the Healer's nests, contagious cats, and general injuries and ailments. Woven baskets traded in from VerdureClan dot the den, storing dried herbs and other medicinal equipment. A large wooden rack is wedged into the roof of the den, where healers hang bundles of herbs and flowers to dry out for storage. A small divot in the ground stores fresh, potable water for cleaning wounds and providing the sick drinking water when they are too ill to make it to a stream or river.
Sheltering and nurturing TideClan's young, the Nursery resides in the deepest point of the camp, sheltered and shaded by a strong, tall tree. This den blocks most of the winds that whistle through TideClan camp, and is warm and comfortable to the point of being stifling. Kits can often be found tussling and playing amidst the gnarled roots of the tree outside of their den.
Just beside the Nursery is the Elder's Den. This den is no different from any other den- outfitted with soft, mossy nests and hidden away in a protective, rocky wall to keep safe from the winds. Due to its proximity to the Nursery, Kits and Elders can be found lounging around and chattering, Kits oftentimes learning stories from their Elders.
TideClan is almost entirely warm, tropical ocean waters, with thick swathes of coral reef on the floor of the ocean. These reefs are cluttered and filled with different types of fish and anemone, and the walls of these rocky shores are home to winding underwater caves. Inexperienced cats can quickly find themselves lost in these underwater labyrinths, and, as such, only Divers are permitted to explore these treacherous waters. TideClan territory is on the edge of a continental shelf, which drops down into deep, dark waters.
This oceanic territor is packed with a large variety of flora and fauna, from thick blankets of seagrass, tall patches of seaweed, red algae, and more. Colorful fish and marine creatures sush as angelfish, hawkfish, wrass, sea slugs, otters, dolphins, and more can be found flitting about the reefs. Any animal that can be found within tropical and subtropical oceans can be seen traversing the clear waters of TideClan territory, turning the oceans colorful and bright. Fierce predators can be found lurking amidst TideClan territory, like the monstrous Tidecrasher or venomous aquatic snakes.
TideClan's beach territory is home to a stretch of savannah and rocky, sandy shores. These shores are home to a series of tide pools that harbor urchins, anemones, crabs, and more. Beach grasses, yucca, sea grapes, and allium flowers fill the strip of grasslands TideClan owns, and harbor animals such a Ohmpalas and the occasional herd of zebra. This strip of territory is not commonly used, let alone defended, as most cats keep to the prey-plentiful oceans. TideClan shares the Shimmering Sault with CoveyClan, where Apprentices often sneak out to play in.
Pearltwine Reef is a thriving, colorful coral reef and common hunting and playing grounds for TideClanners! This reef is TideClan's primary source of food, where Divers and Guardians chase schools of fish into nets or into waiting paws of their clanmates. This reef stretches over the vast majority of TideClan's shallows, cutting off just before the dip into Pearltwine Reef. This reef is where most apprentices learn team-hunting tactics, and is a step up from Windflower Mirrors when learning how to swim in deeper waters.
Named after Pearlstar, the guardian who first started hunting in the reef- as previously it was seen as dangerous due to the eels and other poisonous creatures. While the reef is not entirely safe, TideClan's hunting and presence has warded off the largest of deadly predators. However, there is still ample risk from venomous rockfish, eels, and stinging urchins. Younger Sea Serpents and Tidecrashers may investigate, but are much too big to reach anything within the reef's depths.
To the west of TideClan Camp, tucked away beneath the waves, is the Sandy Cenotes. This large cenote is where Apprentices train and where games are hosted. The cenote is accessed from below, as the drop from the small island above is much too high for a cat to leap in from. Sunlight filters into the limestone caverns from up above, hanging mosses and lichens hanging from the gap. Sky Guppies buzz about the cenote, lighting up the waters during the night hours.
Several underwater entrances and exits are present in the Cenote- however, these are strictly off limits to anycat beyond the divers. Due to their winding, confusing nature, cats with no experience diving can get lost and suffocate before aid can locate them. Secretkeeper Blossoms are often grown in the Cenote, as they are sheltered from gulls and other birds that may eat their blossoms.
Windflower Mirrors is a small strip of rocky territory between an off-shore island and the beach, just north of Camp. The gaps and holes in this rocky territory form small but deep tidepools, perfect for teaching older kittens how to swim. This strip of territory is frequented by Queens eager for a safe, confined space to teach their young. Thick patches of lavender and cornflowers grow between the metamorphic rocks, which are banded with streaks of brown and yellow. Small crustaceans and dragonflies crawl and buzz about this territory, perfect for practicing hunting moves.
The sunlight warms the stones at the highest point of Windflower Mirrors. Queens, Elders, and relaxing Guardians may visit to lay in the warm sunlight and dry off after a swim or dive. Rumor has it if you fall into the tidepools during a cloudless night, you'll slip right into Silverpelt's sky.
artwork by bewilderbark
The Azure Deep is what the drop-off point of the continental shelf is referred to as by TideClan. These deep, dark waters are rarely ever explored. Monstrous oceanic predators lurk in these dark waters, and the distant glow of their markings can occasionally be seen flickering from the safe waters above.
Whales, Tidecrashers, Sea Serpents, and more linger in these dangerous waters.