medicine cat

DAY 15 PACK LEADER: Starcedar - a lilac-furred she-wolf with tan patches and beady black eyes HERBALIST: Light - a thin, cream-pelted wolf with brown eyes and silky fur SCOUT: Primefire - a bright-red she-wolf with dark eyes and an intimidating stare HUNTER: Clawlock - a handsome golden wolf with dark eyes and brown patches HUNTER: Cloudwatch - a light gray she-wolf with dark eyes and a small build ADOLESCENT: Shortstag - a smaller white wolf with red patches and beautiful blue eyes. Heir to the alpha position. PUP: Puddlespring - A golden she-wolf with dark eyes and lighter spots. "Shortstag's no fun," Puddlespring huffed to her mother, sitting beside her. "He never plays with me." "I think Shortstag's just really busy trying to learn about being the future leader of the pack," Cloudwatch licked her daughter's ear gently. "Well, the pack's gonna be no fun if he's the one leading it one day. I hope Primefire's pup is more fun to play with when it's born." "You'll be old enough to start training soon," Cloudwatch said to her daughter. "Have you thought of what you want to try yet? You'd be a lovely hunter like me, I think." "I kinda think being a Scout would be fun," hummed Puddlespring. "D'ya think Primefire would train me?" "I think she'd love to," Cloudwatch said, thinking of the kindness Primefire showed to Shortstag. Why would she treat her pup any different? Finally, Primefire gave birth to her pup. Puddlespring spilled excitedly into the nursery den to meet it. In Primefire's proud paws sat a flame-pelted she-pup. "She looks like a perfect playmate!" cheered Puddlespring. "I can't wait until she starts running around with me!" Primefire flattened her ears at the pup's loud voice. "Great." "What's her name?" "Burningstar. Now let her rest," Primefire said, her voice not yet a growl but getting closer. To Puddlespring's delight, Burningstar grew into an impulsive and curious young she-wolf, and the two of them became fast friends. Puddlespring grew old enough to start her apprentice training, and approached Primefire. "Primefire... I'd really like to train under you to be a Scout." "Is there any way that I can refuse?" The gruff she-wolf grunted. "Um... No?" "Then fine. You'll begin accompanying me on treks. Our next outing is later today." "Awesome!" Puddlespring cheered and ran to tell Burningstar. Meanwhile, Shortstag had grown to his full height. He was a handsome young he-wolf now, and his mother looked on him with pride. "You're going to be a great leader, Shortstag. I just know it." She smiled. "And, I have some good news for you!" "Hm?" "Your father and I are expecting another pup!" Cheered Starcedar. "We're going to have the most beautiful pups the pack has ever seen." Shortstag smiled at her. "That's great, Mom." "You look a bit sad," Starcedar blurted out. "Is something wrong?" Shortstag flicked an ear. "I guess not. But I worry I'll never produce an heir for the pack." "Sure you will," Starcedar said. "I think that you'll find a lovely she-wolf to have pups with." "Well, that's the problem. My sights are already set on someone. Someone I've had my eyes upon for a while." Shortstag dug his paws nervously into the dirt beside his mother. "Oh? Then why don't you ask her?" "It's not a.... he'll never notice me." Shortstag grunted He gazed over at the pack's clearing, his eyes set upon Light. "He wouldn't see another male in that way." "I think... I think you should ask him," hummed Starcedar. "He might be more receptive than you think." Anxiously, Shortstag padded up to Light, who was working with his herbs. "Something wrong?" Light didn't look up from his work. Shortstag gulped. "Well... no, Light. I just had a question for you. I, um..." Shortstag felt his face turn hot. "Go on." "I was wondering if you would want to... go for a walk in the forest with me. One on one. In a, um... Courting manner." He put a paw over his face. That didn't make any sense. Light was no longer looking at his herbs, and his deep brown eyes were fixated on Shortstag. "Are you asking me to be in a pair bond?" "...Perhaps." A slight grin formed on one side of Light's muzzle. "Sure, Shortstag. I'll bite."

The heir to the throne and the daughter of hunters! Shortstag: Puddlespring:

DAY 11 PACK LEADER: Starcedar - a lilac-furred she-wolf with tan patches and beady black eyes HERBALIST: Light - a thin, cream-pelted wolf with brown eyes and silky fur SCOUT: Primefire - a bright-red she-wolf with dark eyes and an intimidating stare HUNTER: Clawlock - a handsome golden wolf with dark eyes and brown patches HUNTER: Cloudwatch - a light gray she-wolf with dark eyes and a small build PUP: Shortstag - a smaller white wolf with red patches and beautiful blue eyes As Shortstag grew, his personality emerged. He was the start opposite of his confident, extroverted parents, and was much more nervous and shy. He stuck close to his mother, but found his father hard to relate to. He did, however, enjoy the company of Primefire, who was softer to him than she was others in the pack. "Why do you like to go off by yourself so much?" he asked her one day. "I don't like the hustle and bustle of pack camp," said the she-wolf casually. "It's way too loud out here, with everyone chattering and sparring and asking me to do things. I prefer being out in the quiet, exploring nature by myself." "That sounds... really nice," the pup said. "I think it's pretty noisy in camp, too." "Well, that's why you and I get along," joked Primefire. Cloudwatch became pregnant through Clawlock since he was the pack's breeding male. "Are you sure you'll be okay hunting for the pack by yourself for a bit, Clawlock?" asked the gray she wolf. Clawlock nodded with a smile. "Of course, Cloudwatch. Be sure to rest up." "I'll be happy to give you my old nesting material!" said Starcedar with a grin. Finally, Shortstag grew into an adolescent young wolf, and he continued to learn from Starcedar. "One day faaaar off from now, you're going to be the Alpha of the pack," hummed the she-wolf. "You'll have all the decisions before you to make. It'll be your duty to carry on the pride of our pack. "Sounds intimidating by myself..." Shortstag said quietly. "That's why you have your pack to back you up. Me, I have your father, and I have Light, our herbalist." Shortstag turned his thoughts to Light, the handsome cream wolf he'd never really interacted with aside from seeing his mother talking with him. He wondered what kind of wisdom the quiet wolf had to offer. Cloudwatch finally gave birth to her pup- a darker golden she-wolf with dark eyes. "I'll call her Puddlespring," hummed the gray she-wolf. Puddlespring grew into a capable, friendly pup who was curious about the world around her. She was quick on her paws from a young age. She often liked to follow around Shortstag, which he was not a fan of. Soon after Puddlespring's birth, Primefire also became pregnant and added more materials to make her own nest.

DAY 2 PACK LEADER: Starcedar - a lilac-furred she-wolf with tan patches and beady black eyes HERBALIST: Light - a thin, cream-pelted wolf with brown eyes and silky fur SCOUT: Primefire - a bright-red she-wolf with dark eyes and an intimidating stare HUNTER: Clawlock - a handsome golden wolf with dark eyes and brown patches HUNTER: Cloudwatch - a light gray she-wolf with dark eyes and a small build Within a couple of weeks, Starcedar proudly was able to announce that she was pregnant. Clawlock leaped with joy at the news. "I can't wait, Starcedar! We'll have the most beautiful and strong pups in the whole valley." Light came to sit by Starcedar in her leader's den that evening, bringing her a bundle of herbs in his jaws. "Eat these." He dropped them before her. Starcedar looked up at Light, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not a huge fan of herbs, you know." "I'm well aware, but these are healthy for your pup. It'll gain strength and gives it a better chance of survival at birth." He waited another moment. "Eat them." Starcedar smiled. "I'm the leader around here, you know." Even so, she ate the herbs despite herself, giving a spectacular grunt of disgust as she tasted them. Light shook his head and sat down beside her. "I'm jealous of you, you know. I always wanted to have pups of my own. It was one of my dreams to be a pupsitter." "Well, why can't you?" Starcedar asked him. "I think you and Cloudwatch would make a great pair, and you seem to get along well with Primefire." Light stayed still, not shifting to look at her. He kept his eyes focused outside of the leader's den, watching the stars. "My heart pulls me in other directions, Starcedar." Starcedar flattened her ears in confusion, and then nodded. "Oh! Well, I can look around the territory for a nice, handsome-" "Stop." Starcedar quickly realized she had a problem over the coming weeks- she was expecting a pup, but didn't have the nesting material to provide for one. She knew only one wolf had the time to help gather nesting material, and that was the scout, Primefire. "Hey, Primefire!" Primefire didn't answer, but tilted an ear back to Starcedar. "I have an assignment for you!" "Lovely." Primefire grumbled. "What is it?" "I need nesting material for my pup here. I'm gathering some myself, but eight paws are better than four. Can you bring me anything you find?" "Whatever." Starcedar flattened her ears at the response, but sure enough, a well-organized stack of nesting material was laid outside of her den the next morning. Excitedly, she quickly threw together a sloppy nest and plopped down upon it. That very next night, Starcedar gave birth to her firstborn son- A beautiful white wolf with reddish brown patches. When his eyes opened, they were a spectacular blue color. "He's got my markings!" Cheered Clawlock. "He's the future leader of the Starfinder pack," said Starcedar happily. "We'll name him Shortstag."

DAY 0 Starting on tiny green i'm lazy .Our starting wolves are, from left to right, Cloudwatch, Primefire, Light, Starcedar and Clawlock. STARCEDAR: Our leader of the pack is Starcedar, a young she-wolf just over two years of age. Starcedar is passionate about her pack, having been handed down the role of pack leader from her father and his mother before him. Starcedar is loud, outspoken, and admittedly a little prideful. She pushes all of her pack members to be the best wolves they can be, even if it annoys them a little. She sports a lilac pelt with tan patches, as well as beady black eyes. She is the tallest wolf in the pack and towers over the others. LIGHT: Starcedar's herbalist and trusted adviser is Light. Light is a quiet and intelligent wolf with a whitish, yellowish pelt. He has deep brown eyes and is a talented swimmer. Light is a handsome wolf known for his good looks, but has never had any interest in the females of the pack. He is the youngest wolf in the Starfinder pack and tends to turn away wolves he doesn't know with his stern, cold gaze alone. PRIMEFIRE: The flame-pelted, dark-eyed scout of the pack is a she-wolf known as Primefire. Primefire is cold and unfriendly, and mainly chose to be a scout to avoid talking to the other wolves of the pack. That said, she does have a relatively good friendship with Light. CLAWLOCK: The mate of Starcedar and breeding male of the pack is a hunter named Clawlock, and he sports golden fur with brown patches. He is the strongest wolf in all of the pack. Clawlock specializes in Chasing, but is also a talented Finisher. Clawlock is a confident young wolf, and finds Starcedar attractive due to her bravery and willingness to put herself out there. CLOUDWATCH: Last but not least, Cloudwatch is a hunter who specializes in stalking. She has beautiful, plush gray fur and a thin build. Cloudwatch is the warmest out of the wolves in the pack, and is a little bit naive. She acts like an older sister to Starcedar. Starcedar proudly fluffed her tail up, exploring along the coast of her new home. "I think this'll make a fine place," she informed Clawlock, the wind brushing against her lilac fur. "I hope Clawlock and Cloudwatch come back with something good for us to eat, though." "Don't worry about it. I've got enough herbs to supplement." Light grunted, setting down some berries. "We've got enough food until tomorrow, at least." Starcedar grimaced at the sight of the berries, unsure of how to tell the young herbalist that this wasn't exactly food. "...Thanks, Light." "Do you think this place will sustain a pack?" the cream-colored wolf asked his leader. Starcedar puffed up her chest. "Of course it will." "Mm. It's rather small. I don't know." Starcedar nudged her companion in a friendly manner. "C'mon, Light, give it a chance. Maybe you'll find a pretty she-wolf on this island." Light didn't answer, but Starcedar didn't notice- she saw Clawlock and Cloudwatcher trotting towards her with food. She dashed over to her mate, burying her nose in his neck. "I can't believe you caught something already! You're the best, Clawlock." Clawlock puffed out his chest proudly and dropped the carcass before his mate and Light. "This'll be enough to last us until tomorrow, at least. Have you seen Primefire?" "Exploring already," Light said. "Wanted to get some quiet time to herself. "We just got here!" said Clawlock. A few days passed, and Clawlock strode up to Starcedar, tail fluffed up high. "You know, Starcedar, I think this is a nice isand for us to settle down. What do you think about having pups?" "Once we have a stable food supply, I'd love to, Clawlock."

Howdy, it's ya girl back at it again after another work-related absence I hate my job And here we have... a Wolvden playthrough! You guys seemed to really like my lioden one, so I hope you enjoy this, too. RULES: Lifespan Lifespans work as the following. One month in wolvden time = 1 day niche time. Nichelings will live for 96 days total; 2 days as a baby, 4 as a child, 6 as a teenager, and 84 days as an adult. Pregnancy lasts 2 days, and Nicheling wolves can breed from the time they reach adulthood up to 86 days old for females and until death for males. Female wolves can only breed once every 13 days. Damage for hunger is 20, environment is 10, Enemies is 5. I'm disabling defender bears and rogue males. Pack roles Lead Wolves: The ruler of the pack! For lore purposes in this playthrough, the Starfinder Pack will be a monarchy and leaders will be passed down generation to generation. Can be male or female, and can perform the primary tasks of whatever role they fancy (hunting, berry gathering, scouting, etc). Their middle gems are GOLD. Herbalists: Only one herbalist can exist in the pack, and they function as a sort of medicine cat would in my warriors playthroughs. They mainly function to heal wounds in lore here and to gather berries and acorns. Their middle gems are GREEN. Scouts: Up to 2 scouts can be allowed in the pack. They clear the tall grass in the wolves' territory in order for them to be able to move around. Once an island is fully explored, the pack can move, but they must slay enemies (bearyenas, other nichelings, etc) in their path first, like in Wolvden. The number of enemies needed to slay depends on the number of nichelings currently in the pack. The formula to calculate is [(TotalWolfCount - LeadWolf)/4] + 2 = WolvesToBeSlain. Slaying progress is reset if the lead wolf retires. This sounds complex, but it'll be explained more in practice. Their middle gems are BLUE. Hunters: In charge of collecting food for the pack; they can only gather food by hunting, though. Hunters also have specialisms within the role; sneakier wolves specialize in being Stalkers, quicker wolves are Chasers, and stronger wolves are Finishers. However, in a lack of having enough hunters, a wolf can switch between specialisms. Their middle gems are ORANGE. Pupsitting, Mentoring, and being a Breeding Male will all be secondary roles so we can have enough hunters and scouts for the pack. The pack can only have one Breeding Male who can breed disregarding pair bonds, but he is not romantically involved with those he mates with. Pupsitters are usually taken on by the mother or father of the pups, and Mentoring is taken on by any wolf within a role or a wolf can choose to be one after reaching 60 days of age. Personalities A new personality set will be visible, based off the Wolvden personalities. Check out a preview of them here! (Credit to Skudde on the Wolvden Forum) These will effect wolf couple compatibility as well as how well leaders are viewed. Mating/Bonding, Compatibility Wolves can be in pair bonds, an exciting feature in this playthrough! Once a wolf has been in the pack for 4 days, they can form a pair bond depending on their personality compatibility. This is not only for lore, but also allows for non-breeding males to have pups. If a pair bond breaks up (A wolf dies or they are no longer compatible) it takes 15 days before either wolf can be in a pair bond again. It is taboo to have pups outside of a pair bond, but can happen in this playthrough for lore! Bonuses If 2 Nichelings are born in a litter, one will be a "runt" and one will be a "largest pup". That's enough of the rules... My starter wolves will be posted soon!

CHAPTER 39 DAY 785 Starwing dies of an illness, leaving the young king Nole, and then Adri and Autumntail. Adri becomes pregnant with a rogue male once more. Nole lets his mother do so despite it being against pride law, knowing the numbers are low. Adri has another male, a powerful young cub who she names Strikevoice. The now fully-grown Nole worries Strikevoice might grow to fight him one day, so he forms a close bond with his brother in hopes they will be good friends. And it works- as Strikevoice grows, the brothers become inseparable. Despite his name, Strikevoice is a calm lion with a warm personality- just with a quite powerful roar. Autumntail dies of old age, and the lions mourn her. "I hope that you find a queen of your own soon," says Adri, nuzzling her son. "You need to carry on our pride, you know." "I know, Mom," sighs Nole. "I'm trying." Adri dies of an illness, her dying wish for her sons to carry on the pride. "We have plenty of time," Nole says to Strikevoice. "But we've been searching forever. We need to get going," says the bigger lion calmly. Nole and Strikevoice search for months and begin to believe that they will never find a lioness for the pride. But they do! Her name is Blightwit, and she is a tough but arrogant lioness. "I'll join your pride I suppose," she growls lowly. "If I get the biggest cut of what I hunt." "...Sure," says Nole. "I can't stand her," Strikevoice whispers to Nole. "Shh! We need a lioness!" Nole says to his brother. "Keep quiet." Blightwit promptly becomes pregnant with a cub. She has a son with her pelt and light green eyes. Nole names him Monkeyclaw. Nole dies of an illness as well as Strikevoice, letting Monkeyclaw take over the pride as an adolescent.

CHAPTER 38 DAY 728 Yellowsnake's pride begins to cautiously explore the new island. Dynasty dies of old age, leaving just him, Meadowface, Starwing, and Autumntail. Autumntail especially takes the loss of her mother hard and distances herself from the pride. Unfortunately, the new territory has a lack of lionesses for quite a while, and rather large, fearsome hyenas unlike anything the lions have seen before. Starwing comes up pregnant with a cub from a rogue male, but decides not to share the fact with anyone in the pride. She hopes to claim that she simply found the cub, and hope that it bears no resemblance to her. Unfortunately for Starwing... The cub looks very similar to her. She names the cub Adri. Yellowsnake looks over the cub with suspicion. "Have mercy on her," Adri says to Yellowsnake, tearful. "She's just a cub. "I'm not going to hurt her." Yellowstone says. "Keep watch of her. She will be part of the pride. Meadowface dies of old age, leaving just Starwing, Autumntail, Yellowsnake, and Adri. Yellowsnake is killed by a hyena, and the lionesses of the pride fall into a deep state of panic- especially Autumntail, who was close with her brother. "There's hope though," Adri says to Autumntail and her mother. "I'm going to be having a cub. I had one with a rogue." As if blessed by the ancestors, Adri gives birth to a son- a golden-pelted male with light mane. She names him Nole. Another hyena attacks the pride, and the lionesses go after it. The said hyena heads straight for Nole! Desperate to protect her son, Adri dives at the hyena and kills it, scarring her left eye and her abdomen in the process. Despite being raised to be king, Adri makes sure her son always stays humble as possible- and he does, growing into a down-to-earth and friendly young lion.

Autumntail! Starwing!

CHAPTER 37 DAY 709 Madgaze and Scourgeblossom die of old age. Flamewing, old himself, realizes his own mortality is approaching soon, and he looks at his sons. He prays to the ancestors that Fireoak takes over, as their ideals are most alike. "Dynasty is pregnant again," he tells Redoak to get the conversation started. The blind red lion rests his head on his paws. "That's good news." "Indeed." Flamewing nods his head. "I am trying to leave a legacy behind with my children." He looks at Redoak. "That includes you, Redoak." Redoak smiles. "I suppose so." "I hope you become king, Redoak. After I'm gone." The lion turns his head away from his father. "I doubt that would happen now." "The pride believes in you. Your mother certainly does." Flamewing smiles. "We'll see what happens," says Redoak, mostly to comfort his father. Flamewing dies soon after. His sons meet in the middle of pride territory, with the lionesses tensely watching. Gruffclaw moves first, attacking Redoak and eliminating him from. Goldpetal lets out an enraged roar. Shocked, Yellowsnake whirls around to see Gruffclaw charging towards him. Gruffclaw goes for Yellowsnake's throat, but Yellowsnake uses powerful front paws to knock him back, knocking the breath out of the weaker lion. In rage and terror, he kills Gruffclaw. Yellowsnake is the new king of the pride. Yellowsnake decides to leave the oasis- it's hot and uninhabitable for the pride, and he calls the pride together to decide where they will go next. "I say that we go West," begins Yellowsnake. He smiles. "Go North," suggests Goldpetal. It looks less dry than here." "If we want somewhere with more rain, go East. I always see clouds that way," says Dynasty. "I agree with mother about going north," says Meadowface. After much debate, the pride decides to go north. A trio of hyenas attacks the pride on the way to the new territory, killing Goldpetal. Enraged, Meadowface runs to defend her mother, but a hyena pins her down, slashing its claws across her chest and tearing her left ear. Finally, Yellowsnake charges in to save her, fending off the hyenas with the other lionesses. But at the entrance of the new territory, Yellowsnake sees bones. He prays to the ancestors he hasn't led his pride astray.

Author's note: I was wondering if anyone would be interested in me doing a Wolvden themed run! I'm still going to write this one, just curious

CHAPTER 36 DAY 696 Dynasty gives birth to another son- a golden-pelted male named Gruffclaw. Though capable and a strong cub, he's rather unsociable and disagrees with his father. Goldpetal has a crimson-pelted son, and names him Fireoak. Fireoak bonds with his parents closely, and especially enjoys sparring with his father. But he often argues with Gruffclaw, who isn't as popular with his pridemates. "Just ignore him," Goldpetal purrs, nuzzling her son. "He's jealous." The lionesses later have two more cubs- Goldpetal has a ginger cub named Starwing, and Dynasty has a daughter named Autumntail. Meanwhile, a hyena comes and attacks Fireoak. It blinds him, and he'd be done for, if it weren't for Gruffclaw coming to save him.

Flamewing! Meadowface! Yellowsnake!

CHAPTER 35 DAY 680 Flamewing quickly becomes popular with all of the lionesses, aside from Madgaze, who isn't that interested in lions anyway. Soon after Flamewing's arrival, Goldpetal and Dynasty are both due to have his cubs. Flamewing falls in love with Goldpetal, and asks her to be his queen. "Of course I will," purrs the lioness. "It's an honor." Goldpetal gives birth to a daughter- Meadowface. Meadowface is a humorous and friendly cub, and though her mother wishes she was more serious, she loves her very much. Meanwhile, Dynasty gives birth to a son, and names him Yellowsnake. Yellowsnake is a shy and quiet male, but is very close to his mother. He enjoys playing with Meadowface, since they're around the same age. Scourgeblossom finally dies of old age, and Stormysong mourns her mother. Flamewing's first two cubs grow into adulthood, and Dynasty and Goldpetal become pregnant once more.

CHAPTER 34 DAY 652 Discussion in the pride stirs about the new king- and the revelation that Mumblepaw was the father of Scourgeblossom's cubs. Goldpetal isn't taking her lineage well. "I can't believe your brother did that to your father," Scourgeblossom tells Goldpetal. Goldpetal flattens her ears uncomfortably. "I can't believe you lied to me about breaking pride law, Mom..." she says softly. "If you don't like it, why are you still in the pride?" Scourgeblossom sighs and flattens her ears. "If I made this mess I have to be here for the results of it. And I don't know where Redback went." "Quicksnarl wouldn't do that." Scourgeblossom looks at her daughter, unconvinced, and sighs. "I don't care if a new lion comes and takes us over at this point. I pray for a new dynasty." Quicksnarl begins his search for a queen- the lionesses in the pride are either his family or lionesses he's not interested in. Frustrated with the lack of lionesses in the area, he calls a meeting for the pride. "We're moving islands," he states quickly and firmly. "We're voting on where we're going. I vote North." "North isn't a bad idea," says Scarcheek. "I say we go North as well." Scourgeblossom hates to admit it, but her son is right- she agrees on going north. "I say we go east," argues Stormysong. "I think North looks dangerous- the path alone is enough to kill a pride like ours." "I couldn't care less about where we go," says Madgaze. Goldpetal and Dynasty shrug as well. "We're going north then," orders Quicksnarl. Scarcheek decides not to go, thinking her old age wouldn't let her survive the journey. The lionesses of the pride give her a tender sendoff- especially Goldpetal, who was close with her. The pride finds themself in a hot oasis... Quicksnarl's frustration grows as he can't find a lioness to join his pride in the new territory. It's hot and humid, and makes it harder for the lionesses he has to hunt. A hyena attacks the pride while they're weak from the new environment- Dynasty is given a scar across her neck, and Scourgeblossom earns a scar down the left side of her head. "I feel like we've angered the ancestors, and that's why we're in a territory like this," Goldpetal says quietly to Dynasty. "I wouldn't blame the ancestors. I blame Quicksnarl," says Scourgeblossom, tending to Dynasty's wound. "It's HIS decision making." As if it was an answer to prayer, however, a slightly older but much stronger male enters the pride territory and challenges Quicksnarl. It started as he was caught wandering through pride territory. "Walk off our territory now and you'll go unharmed," Quicksnarl says. The strange male goes to leave, but as soon as his back is turned, Quicksnarl claws into his back and begins trying to kill him. Enraged, the strange male lashes his tail and throws Quicksnarl off of him. His pelt is the color of flames, and he takes down Quicksnarl in a flash of teeth, claws, and roars. Bloodied but unharmed, he looks at the lionesses of the pride, hungry and tired, and smiles at them awkwardly. "Who are you?" Scourgeblossom asks suspiciously. She has a strange mix of relief and grief in her chest- she loved her son, but he was not fit to be king. "I'm Flamewing," says the lion, bowing his head. "I... I guess I'm your king now." "Thank the heavens that you are," says Goldpetal, smiling. "We welcome you."

New kingdom members... Quicksnarl: Dynasty: Goldpetal:

CHAPTER 33 DAY 648 Thickpelt dies of old age, and the pride mourns him. "I don't see the need to mourn," Madgaze says to Mumblepaw. "He let his lionesses interact with rogues, and it's a surprise they hadn't taken over the pride and killed our cubs by now." Mumblepaw flattens his ears uncomfortably, not wanting to tell Madgaze he was one of the "rogues" she is complaining about. With the death of Thickpelt, there are four able-bodied males in the pride to fight for the throne- these are Quicksnarl, Sandstripe, Mumblepaw, and Daywing. "I think we should discuss this as a group-" Sandstripe begins. "You say that because you know you're the smallest," Quicksnarl says, approaching the young lion with claws extended. The four males erupt in battle- Mumblepaw charges Daywing, and Sandstripe and Quicksnarl fight. Daywing is the first to fall, and dies quickly. Quicksnarl takes down Sandstripe, and now it's just Mumblepaw and Quicksnarl. Scourgeblossom feels the fur on the back of her neck raise in terror as her mate and her son face off. "Quicksnarl, wait," says Mumblepaw, taking a few steps back. "There's something I need to tell you." Quicksnarl briefly retracts his claws, staring at the ginger lion. "I'm your father." the rain beats down on Mumblepaw's face and he nervously eyes the younger, arguably stronger lion. "Your mother mated with a rogue, but the rogue was me. We can work together, Quicksnarl." "And if I'm king, that only means you'll break pride law by having cubs with my pride," hisses Quicksnarl. Mumblepaw's eyes fill with dread as he realizes what Quicksnarl is saying, and Quicksnarl charges him. "Quicksnarl, don't!" yells Scourgeblossom, but it's too late- Quicksnarl defeats Mumblepaw in battle. Scourgeblossom lets out an engraged roar at her son, and Redback hides behind his mother. Quicksnarl eyes the cub intimidatingly, but turns away. Within a week, Redback disappears. Scourgeblossom searches for the cub, but to no avail. But it's Quicksnarl's kingdom now...

CHAPTER 32, DAY 629 Goldpetal grows into an adult, and Scourgeblossom decides to have another cub with Mumblepaw. "I really think we should be careful," Mumblepaw says. "Goldpetal looks a lot like me. What if the next cub does and your father realizes?" "You need to relax," says Scourgeblossom. "I'll face my father myself before I let him argue with you." Mumblepaw smiles, but he still shudders the thought of facing the king's claws. She has a son this time- luckily, he doesn't look too much like Mumblepaw. She names him Quicksight. "You really need to make her follow pride law," Daywing says to his father, flattening his ears. "Just because Scourgeblossom is your daughter doesn't mean she should be allowed to mate with rogues." "I'm picking my battles, Daywing," says Thickpelt. "I'm old. I just want to keep all my children near me before I join the ancestors." he sighs. (Left to right: Stormysong, Madgaze, Daywing, Quicksight, Goldpetal, Scourgeblossom, Thickpelt, Scarcheek, Mumblepaw) Both Scarcheek and Goldpetal become pregnant by an unnamed rogue, claiming to have found their cubs. Thickpetal is apathetic to this, and simply allows them to bring half-pride cubs. Scarcheek and Goldpetal give birth, bringing new blood into the pride. Scarcheek has a son, and names him Sandstripe. Goldpetal has a daughter and names her Dynasty. FInally, Scourgeblossom has another son- she names him Redback.

(Short chapter my apologies) CHAPTER 31, DAY 616 Scourgeblossom has a second daughter- but this time, the cub looks much more like Mumblepaw. She fears for the cub and for Mumblepaw, worried that her father will notice the resemblance. "I'll call her Goldpetal," purrs Scourgeblossom to her father. "That's fine, Scourgeblossom. But you can't keep meeting with rogues like this." he flattens his ears. Despite his disapproval, Thickpelt gets attached to his granddaughter and the two become close. Blackstripes dies of old age, and the pride mourns for her- especially Thickpelt. "I miss her too," Daywing says, burying his face in his father's mane. "I don't see myself loving a lioness like I loved her," says Thickpelt solemnly. "Your mother was the only queen for me."

Scarcheek! Mumblepaw! Blackstripes! Daywing! Scourgeblossom! Madgaze! Stormysong!

CHAPTER 30, DAY 595 Despite Scourgeblossom's disagreements with her mother and brother, she gets along rather well with Scarcheek- Scarcheek takes joy in teaching her how to hunt. They work well together, since Scourgeblossom is faster but Scarcheek is stronger. Together, they provide plentiful meals for the pride, and Scourgeblossom grows into a powerful adult lioness. "I like Scourgeblossom," Mumblepaw tells his mother. "She's really smart- and isn't scared to tell other lions off." Blackstripes becomes pregnant once again. Scourgeblossom and Mumblepaw grow closer, and after some months pass, Scourgeblossom becomes pregnant with Mumblepaw's cub. "How are we going to tell the pride?! WHAT do we tell the pride?" Scourgeblossom demands of Mumblepaw, the two of them looking at each other. "Tell the pride you found the cub alone!" Mumblepaw flattens his ears, panicked. "I don't know, Scourgeblossom. Just pray to the heavens it doesn't look like us." But Scarcheek gets a little suspicious as Scourgeblossom gets closer to giving birth and doesn't want to hunt as much. "I just feel... ill recently," Scourgeblossom says, smiling nervously. Scarcheek raises an eyebrow, but shrugs. Blackstripes gives birth to another daughter with Thickpelt. She has another daughter, with another wild personality- she names her Madgaze. And to Scourgeblossom's dismay, she has a cub that looks obviously like her. Defeated, she brings the cub to the pride and prepares to face them. Thickpelt approaches her and questions her on the subject. Mumblepaw stops in his tracks, listening anxiously. "I see you have a cub there. Care to explain?" her father asks her, and she stares at him unblinkingly. "I had her with a rogue. But if you kick her out, you lose me too," says Scourgeblossom. Mumblepaw feels a weight lift off his shoulders. Is Scourgeblossom really taking the fall for him so no one knows they're in a relationship and therefore breaking pride law? "Her name is Stormsong," says Scourgeblossom. Madgaze and Stormysong grow up together, and the two become close. Once Stormysong grows into adulthood, Scourgeblossom becomes pregnant with another cub with Mumblepaw. "I'll cover for you," she promises him. The lion smiles. "I promise one day I'll be king and we won't have to hide anymore. I know the king is supposed to be the only one to have cubs; but I'll take this pride for myself so that we can have cubs for everybody to see." he nuzzles her. (Left to right: Blackstripes, Daywing, Scourgeblossom, King Thickpelt, Mumblepaw, Scarcheek, Stormysong, Madgaze)

CHAPTER 29, DAY 584 Blackstripes gives birth to Thickpelt's son- a male with brown eyes like his mother's. She names him Daywing . Thickpelt becomes close with his son and raises him to be a king, in hopes one day Daywing will take over the throne. Mumblepaw is still not impressed. "Why does he get to be king? I'm stronger," pouts the cub. "You'll get your chance at being king one day," purrs Scarcheek quietly. "Give yourself time and train hard." "But he's so emotional. How can a crybaby like him be considered king material?" "He's just a cub," says Scarcheek. "Be easy on him, Mumblepaw." The pride is finally starting to feel complete after most of the old generation died out. Daywing grows into an adult, and Blackstripe becomes pregnant again. "I'm so excited to have a sibling," he tells his father. "I want to teach them everything I know." Blackstripe has a daughter- one that looks a bit like Scarcheek. A loud cub, she paws at and growls for her mother when she can't feel her nearby. She is named Scourgeblossom. As she grows, Scourgeblossom is rebellious and bold, and often bickers with her mother and with Daywing. "I don't know how to handle her," the lion says. "I was excited to have a sister, but she's a bit snarky."

CHAPTER 28, DAY 548 Thickpelt grows into an adult, and Edgeguard looks at his nephew proudly. "You're going to make a fine king," the old red lion tells him. "You nearly look like you could be my own son." Dawnsong once again gets pregnant with a rogue's cub, and once again tells Edgeguard. "Dawnsong, I care about you, but I don't think continuing to meet with rogues near our territory is a good idea. I am grateful we have Thickpelt, but you can't continue this," says Edgeguard. Dawnsong flattens her ears. "I was in love with him, Edgeguard." "Dawnsong, you love this pride, too. We can't protect it with rogue males here." His eyes are kind, but stern. Hopewhisper dies of old age, as does Edgeguard, and Dawnsong gives birth shortly after to a daughter. She names her Scarcheek, as the cub is born with a birthmark of a swipe across her right cheek. "Have some gentleness towards her," Dawnsong asks her son. "She's your sister." Thickpelt sits down beside the cub. "I'll protect her, mother." Meanwhile, an illness strikes the pride, killing Thunderscale and Soulhide. This leaves Dawnsong, Scarcheek, and Edgeguard. "You should look for a queen," advises Dawnsong. "I don't want you to end up like your uncle did." "I have plenty of time," says Thickpelt. Dawnsong dies of old age, and Scarcheek grows to adulthood and becomes pregnant by a rogue. She has a son with a ginger pelt, and she names him Mumblepaw. As his name suggests, Mumblepaw is very timid, and Thickpelt worries for his survival as he grows. Meanwhile, Thickpelt is lucky enough to encounter a pretty lioness- her name is Blackstripes. "I'd love for you to join my pride," the young lion says. She looks unsure at first, but figures there's no harm in joining the pride. "I don't like her," Mumblepaw says quietly to his mother. "She's an outsider." "We need outsiders to bring fresh blood to the pride," says Scarcheek. "Your father was one, you know." Blackstripes quickly becomes pregnant, and Thickpelt, charmed by her, asks her to be his queen. "I... I suppose I could. T...Thank you," Blackstripes says.

Thickpelt!!

CHAPTER 27, DAY 493 The pride wanders around their new territory- a vast, flat, meadowy area- gathering food and nesting material. Edgeguard continues his hunt for a queen. The hunt takes longer than anticipated, unfortunately, and he confides in the aging Fallblight. "Give it time," the lioness says quietly. "The Heavens will bless you with a good lioness. The Morningmane pride will keep going, one way or another." Fallblight dies of old age, however, and Edgeguard's hope begins to wane. He grows old and begins to lose hope that he'll ever have an heir. But one day, Dawnsong comes to him in tears. "Edgeguard, I made a mistake." "What? What happened?" Edgeguard sits next to his sister. "I'm going to be having a cub. I fell in love with a rogue for a time, and..." she turns away from him. "...Dawnsong, it's... It's okay." He presses his muzzle into his sister's shoulder. "Things happen. You did break pride law, but... I'm old, Dawnsong. And I need an heir. If you have a son, I'll be happy to raise him as the next king." He smiles. "...Really?" Dawnsong pulls back, and Edgeguard nods. "I owe you everything, Edgeguard. Thank you." Dawnsong has a son indeed, and names him Thickpelt. She raises him to be kind and just, in hopes he'll be an impressive heir for Edgeguard. Thickpelt and Edgeguard develop a good friendship, and Edgeguard is always honest to him about how he became heir. "Though you aren't my son, I care for you as if you were," Edgeguard says. "And I expect you to carry on the legacy of the pride as if you were my son. You still have Morningmane's blood running through you." Stormseer dies of old age, and her sisters mourn her.