sturdy and proud

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BACKGROUND!

RiftClan cats are known for being hearty survivors. Carving their home out of the stone walls of the ravine with their teeth since their arrival, it's easy to see why the other Clans have such high regard for their tenacity.

GENETICS!

RiftClan cats have long, curved claws to help them navigate the rocky terrain of their camp, almost like a bobcat's despite being smaller. Their pelts are also reminiscent of a bobcat's, typically being a short and rough covering to their muscles. This doesn't mean they get cold, however, as the fur is short but very thick. Their pelts can be any variety of usual cat colours, but browns and grey are slightly more common. They typically have large and rounded ears.

TERRITORY!

RiftClan holds claim over the ravine and land on either side of it. Though the other Clans see it as mostly barren scrubland, RiftClan is able to hunt well enough off of both the land and river that runs by their camp. Landmarks of the territory include: the Ice Thistle Hills, which is a great place to train in observation or just watch the clouds, a pair of interlocking uprooted trees forming a pseudo-den known as the Unbound Thicket, Death's Howl, an extremely active wolf den, and Thunder Falls, the waterfall that fills the river cutting through the ravine.

CAMP!

The main part of RiftClan's camp is a small cave on the side of the ravine. Caves set into the walls serve as the warriors' den, leader's den, Druid's den, and apprentices' dens are well-protected from both the elements and invaders. Outside, the nursery is tucked beneath a curtain of ivy, and the veterans' den is another sheltered cave. Leaders will typically address their Clan from on top of the stone pile in the middle of the cave, nicknamed the Highperch.

TRADITIONS!

•RiftClan values their ability to survive and as such apprentices must prove themselves capable of doing so before they can be made warriors. RiftClan assessments typically involve tests of battling, swimming, and hunting capabilities, followed by a trial of some kind. This trial usually involves the apprentice proving their strength against a stronger foe, such as battling a fox or other large animal.

•Fallen warriors of RiftClan are sure to be honoured by a vigil. The dead are rinsed off under the waterfalls and then taken to Lookout Hill so they can be as close to AzureClan as possible. Cats that were closest to the fallen warrior stay the night with them on the hill to watch their spirit join their ancestors.

•RiftClan cats typically learn how to make good use of their long claws in a fight, attacking fiercely and overwhelmingly to keep their opponents from having a chance to retaliate. They know they have the brawn to throw around and won't hesitate to do so.

•Swimming and fishing are not uncommon skills for a RiftClan apprentice to learn thanks to the presence of a river on their doorstep. Cats who don't prefer to fish can easily get by once they master keeping themselves small and flat so prey doesn't spot them, however. This technique catches them rabbits, mice, and the occasional large bird if done right.

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Fun fact, the amazing GreenBeanGrookey helped me name this Clan. So big thanks to them for helping me bring it to life!

I really love the design of RiftClan cats. Bobcats are so cool and other than Tigerclaw we don't see a lot of cats with notably long claws in the main series. I think it worked out really well anyway, because I knew I wanted them to live in a ravine.