Give me a sign, sister [open, forming raid parties]

[Badgermoon]

The time for discussion was over: now all that remained was action. This was a blessing, really, and Badgermoon glanced up at the wide-open sky for a long moment before bringing his gaze - and attention - firmly to earth. StarClan with us. thought the black and white cat: a prayer, a plea, a rallying cry for no one but himself. He wasn't particularly nervous for the actual act of going to SkyClan and demanding what they ought to have been given, nor was he anxious about the violence which would surely come. No, the twisting in his gut was simply because he wasn't sure if this whole grand plan would work, and the consequences of it failing were potentially enormous. It simply had to work, that was all: just as Sootstar had said, he would lead WindClan to victory. They would get the catmint, Dandelionwish would heal the sick, and the Clan would be stronger than ever. Rolling his broad shoulders back, the bicolor tom strode into the center of camp and called out in his loudest, clearest voice, yellow eyes blazing with something like desire.

"WindClan! Please gather, now, to be given your assignments in this raid; it is time for SkyClan to learn that we cannot be so easily denied. We shall go to their territory and seek an audience with Blazestar, where we will demand he provide us with the catmint. While the larger patrol engages the SkyClanners, a smaller group will try to sneak into camp and steal the herbs we need. I will lead the larger patrol, per Sootstar's instruction, and I would like Sunstride to lead the stealth patrol." the big black-and-white cat paused, his dark tail lashing, before continuing, "Both patrols must be prepared to fight, and to withhold nothing. This is kill or be killed." one white-tipped ear twitched; a subtle motion, but one which belied the slowly accelerating intensity in his body, the growing hunger, the deepening dark. "Joining me for the larger patrol will be Tigerfrost, Gravelpaw, Shrewtuft, Smokepaw, Wolfsong, Speckleclaw, Spiderbloom, Firepaw, Galeforce, Strawpaw, and Bunnywhisker. Joining Sunstride on the stealth patrol will be Coyotepaw, with Juniperfrost," he emphasized the apprentice's name, as he had not forgotten the the young cat's reluctance to go, and knew that Juniperfrost would keep an eye on him, "along with Nightmareface, Icepaw, and Snowspark."

Badgermoon gave a nod, his two-toned coat awash in the colors of the setting sun, before finishing, "We are to leave shortly. Are there any questions? If not - raiders, with me, and stealthy cats, with Sunstride. Let us remind those soft-bellied Twoleg pets what real warriors are capable of."


[ this is a continuation of this thread! the raid thread itself in SkyClan will be posted shortly, and the stealth party thread will be posted a little while after that. :D
tagging @TIGERFROST @GRAVELPAW @SHREWTUFT @SMOKEPAW @WOLFSONG @speckleclaw. @Spiderbloom @Firepaw @Galeforce @strawpaw @bunnywhisker
@SUNSTRIDE @Coyotepaw @Juniperfrost @NIGHTMAREFACE @icepaw @snowspark.

edit: HERE is the MAIN raiding party thread! ]​

 

[Spiderbloom]

Spiderbloom sat tall. Yes, she was pleased with this decision. She wouldn't hold back on those little kittypets. With her dearest and only friend wasting away in a badger den, she would not show any mercy.

She would kill for Jasperglare, and kill she would.

"Perfect." She purred, malice already gleaming in her eyes.

​

 

[SOOTSTAR]

Sootstar might not be joining the fight, but that doesn't mean she's sitting around doing nothing. Sturdy twigs and other foliage are grasped between her fangs, reinforcements for the gorse wall. While all of WindClan's healthy cats were away, those who could needed to be here protecting the old, nursing, and young. The blue smoke doubts SkyClan would retaliate back- not to the point of raiding their camp immediately but it was a frightening possibility.

Anxiety eats at her chest as she listens to Badgermoon call for patrols, it was hard giving another cat the reigns, but she knew she had to. Not for her clan but for her children. He made good picks at least, and her own living kits were not called to the fray... neither was Weaselclaw. Selfish relief and gratitude builds up within her, she wonders if her deputy had done that intentionally for her... Regardless, she thanks him. Her kin would still all do their part around camp, they remained strong while many others did not. Though she fears for her apprentice Smokepaw she is confident he'll do just fine and make her proud.

The blue smoke drops her reinforcing materials and looks to the patrols as they gather and prepare to spill out from the camp. Just before they depart, she gives a hearty call, "No matter the perils placed at our paws, we always triumph! We are WindClan and we will last forever! StarClan light your paths!"​

---

Spoiler: TAGS ★ 01/07

( primary character / "speech" / ic opinions )​

╰ ★ ჻ 001 GENERAL INFORMATION ,

· SOOTSTAR, female — she / her

╰ ‣ 34 moons . pisces. ages on the first

╰ ‣ windclan leader . marsh-born . believes in starclan

╰ ‣ former soldier of the marsh group

╰ ★ ჻ 002 VISUALS & AESTHETICS ,

· DOMESTIC FELINE, smells like heather and wet dirt , status — 100%

╰ ‣ blue smoke . scarred chest, difficult to see through fur . green eyes

╰ ★ ჻ 003 MENTALITY & MANNERISMS ,

· ESTJ-A ❝ EXECTUTIVE ❞ , Slytherin, Lawful Evil

╰ ‣ Cunning, brash, fierce, confident, self-reliant, envious & selfish

╰ ‣ finds great difficulty in relating to others . can be cruel, usually shows mercy to those she can find sympathy with

╰ ‣ sole key to her heart is loyalty, if you have her trust, she often shows a completely different side of herself. Aggression tends to manifest from her extreme paranoia

╰ ‣ Appreciates titles such as "miss, m'am" etc

╰ ★ ჻ 004 INTERACTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS ,

· SOOT CLAW x PEBBLE BREEZE, sister to Pebblenose

╰ ‣ heterosexual. mate to Weaselclaw

╰ ‣ mother to Windpaw & Sootpaw

╰ ‣ mentor to Smokepaw & Coyotepaw

╰ ‣ average fighter . skilled hunter .

╰ ‣ will start fights . unlikely to flee .

╰ ‣ attack in underline . penned by user @ava.

 

[speckleclaw.]

While not present for the deciding discussion, it seemed like he'd be present for all the action. Or at least one of the action-packed fronts. Unmatched eyes watched Badgermoon with interest; he wasn't excited to fight, he'd have to be some type of freak for that. Anxious nerves already starting to spark alight with adrenaline, the ex-rogue's attention focused on the upcoming task at hand if he were to be selected. Speckleclaw was called, and he pushed himself up to stand as expected.

"Alright," the red tabby sighed, releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding. While relatively new to Windclan, the bed-bound cats in the badger sett still mattered to him the same as anyone else. It wasn't fair to withhold medicine, regardless of personal grudges ― that was something Speckleclaw could fight for. Among the first to group together for the distraction patrol, he shook out his front legs, trying to keep his paws nimble despite the cold stiffening his joints.​

 

[icebreath]

TAGS — Icepaw's stomach is in knots as she waits for Badgermoon to deliberate, silent amid her clanmates' heated discussions and preparatory activities. Though she's been doing her best to look as enthusiastic and unbothered as possible, the facade is quickly slipping; anxiety tinges her delicate features, tugging her maw into a frown and making her short fur bristle. If she's lucky, observers will just assume she's upset about the prospect of failure — what it'll mean for the sick, and the injured as well before too long. And it's partially true; what other solutions can one reasonably come up with if they can't secure SkyClan's catmint? Everyone will probably be too weary to fight for any other Clan's resources.

Despite how important it is to win this battle, she desperately hopes she won't be selected for either patrol. She's tiny, and combat does not fall under her skillset; the young apprentice is far from a threat. Okay, that's... that's good. It means Badgermoon probably won't pick her, right? Definitely not for the larger patrol, at the very least. Sootstar's words echo in her racing mind, and her breathing quickens. Fight to kill if anything goes wrong. She— she can't do that. Can she? Please don't pick me. Please don't pick me.

Badgermoon calls for everyone's attention at the same time that the prayer enters her mind — cruel timing. It becomes a mantra as she makes her way to the center of the camp, wondering if there's something wrong with her. There probably is; she can't imagine any of her clanmates are as cowardly as she feels. Kill or be killed, she internally repeats, forlorn.

Icepaw holds their breath as the names are listed... and she's safe, not on the first patrol. Thank StarClan. But her relief is incredibly short-lived; Badgermoon launches right into the second patrol, and there it is. Of course. Her heart's been racing the entire time, but it grows thunderous as she hears her name called out. At least it's the stealth mission; if everything goes according to plan, SkyClan's strongest fighters will be at the border confronting her own clanmates. But there's such a good chance things won't go according to plan, and then she might have to fight and kill and could get injured or killed herself, and she has to worry about Smokepaw, Bunnywhisker, Strawpaw and everyone going on the first patrol... At least Rainpaw wasn't selected. But then she imagines her sister's face upon hearing that Icepaw was slain in battle and gets stressed all over again. Stop. This is a stealth mission, not combat, and you're with strong warriors. Her own mentor whom she respects deeply, the fearsome Juniperfrost, and Sunstride — if he's courageous enough to fight a towering monster (which she chooses to confidently believe despite Rampaw's insistence that his tale was fake), she can do this. Icepaw hardly knows Snowspark, but she trusts their abilities as much as she trusts the rest of WindClan's warriors. They draw in a deep breath, striped tail lashing restlessly as they approach Sunstride alongside the rest of her assigned team.
​

 

[Galeforce]

↞ RACE THE WINDS

Galeforce bore a stony expression as he approached so he could heed Badgermoon's words. His heart was racing as his name was called and naturally he wished it hadn't been. Now he would have no choice but to play his part in the carnage. Would he have to spill blood? Maybe with luck SkyClan would see sense and would just give up the herbs that his sickly clanmates sorely needed. But if they didn't... "Will I have to kill?" He didn't want to consider it. Exhaling, he prepared himself for what was to come.
​

 

[strawmoon]

Strawpaw is drawn forth, hiding under the guise of a blank face. Badgermoon knows what hes doing, truly, and Strawpaw trusts him with their life despite the fear that tingles in their paws, despite the nervousness clouding their brain. They've never felt nervous before... Hadn't felt nervous as Badgermoon called out their name, more of a righteous acceptance but then they realize they had called Firepaw to the patrol besides them and then the worrying truly started. Strawpaw makes a mental note to keep track of Firepaw at all times because shes their friend. Badger lists off the second patrol and its like Strawpaw was dunked in freezing waters.

I-Icepaw?

No, no, no, Strawpaw liked Icepaw, Schmopaw was their friend too! She- She couldn't, she wouldn't, she can't. But she will, Straw saw how insistent Badger was of Coyote going and so they're forced to swallow the bile risen in their throat, shake off the feeling of ice water in their veins. Maybe... If Rampaw was going with Icepaw they'd feel a bit less scared for her safety but... Icepaw was a bit softer than Firepaw... Deep breath in, deep breath out, the calm façade never once leaving their face. They'd move towards Icepaw, flicking their tail and as they pass they whisper something. "Be safe."

Strawpaw had never killed before, never came close, but if it meant fighting a war for their clanmates then it will have been worth it.
​

"speech"​

 

[SUNSTAR]

Battle heat thrums through his veins in the push of tide-limbs. The thrashing of an avalanche, forced to the path of his heartbeat. He is contained only by the bodies of his companions as they gather around Badgermoon's voice. At his side are those he has trusted, or those he will grow to trust– there is no truer forging of bonds than in the burning of war. Already he looks to those named and finds his heart both soaring and sinking. As if he is carried beneath the waves and flying through them at once. It does not concern him how many they would lose. He does not think of the injuries that would speckle those who do return. Sunstride thinks only of the glory and struggles before them, and latches to the knowledge that the fates have been woven already.

StarClan would guide them. That was what the others have said. Sunstride begins to wonder, if not outright agree. Those that had shielded Sootstar from the endless eternity of death could only be on their side. Yet the eager winds of battle are quick to shift from him again. Wolfsong is called for the first patrol– he is tasked with caring for the second. "Ah!" the warrior mourns lowly, the noise much like a curse from his tongue, though only loud enough for those closest to his side. For Wolfsong, most intently. He dips his head without caution, the breadth of his muzzle brushing the shorter tom's ear. Though he may ache for the separation before it has even come to be, there is still a grin baring his fangs. "You will earn enough glory for the both of us, cubling. Do not forget your claws in my absence." His head turns further, until they are pressed from the base of their ears to their brows, whiskers and ears twitching at the familiar contact. He does not need to tell him to be safe. Anything less would be unthinkable.

With a last deep breath and another bump of their brows, the newly named lead warrior pulls himself away. "To me, the five of you. We will take another path once we near the edge of our territory– we should hurry, so as not to stray too far behind."

﹥ˏˋ〘  OOC NOTES INFORMATION 〙ˊˎ﹤

• ooc: —
• SUNSTRIDE. named for his coloration and his bold chasing of fate.
  —— cis male, uses he - him. thirty-four moons old. warrior of windclan and former rogue.
  —— cautious of clan life, but an apt learner. encourages close bonds between clanmates.
  —— loyalty uncertain, cares for those surrounding him. undoubtedly closest to wolfsong.
  
  sunstride is broad and bold– a creature standing above most of windclan, though not a beast beyond its borders, with fur that flames red at its base and deepens to a burnt amber with every whorl and stripe. his eyes, in comparison, are a pale summer's blue, still as bold as the rest of him.
• "speech"

​

 

[Juniperfrost]

The blue tabby is still bristling from the discussion but his face remains calm, his expression unchanging, if he has any opinions about his patrol group he does not voice them. Sunstride was their lead and he would follow, but he would also be present to ensure nothing became of Coyotepaw; he was not so guarded as to expect the apprentice to be unable to handle himself but he was more desiring to not have to deal with any flitting emotions that would cause his son to break rank at any point. There was a concern at the back of his mind that the foolhearted lad would take this opportunity to flee and rejoin SkyClan, but with Juniperfrost present he would be less inclined to act so bold. At least, this was his hopes. If only they had not been taken to begin with, his children would not have this desire to so entangled in the affairs of kittypet's playing pretend. If only they had wiped out Rain's entire colony before the stars descended and stopped the chaos, perhaps the forest would have remained more pure to its true nature; feral cats. Shaking his head he glances upward at he spots the warm-pelt of Sunstride calling his patrol to his side and he pauses to look for the rest of them in the crowd of cats. Nightmareface was one of the rogues like Sunstride and Snowspark was a WindClan Warrior similar to himself (sort of), but Icepaw was a young tunneler; her skills may actually come in handy in this instance as her smaller stature would make her much more swift and easy to avoid detection. Juniperfrost hummed with approval before turning to stride over to the side where they were called, his head high and gait confident.
This was not the patrol meant for combat, but if it came down to it he would gladly rend any kittypet who got in their way to pieces. If the medicine cat who denied them was in that den then he may very well return the favor of burdening a clan without help but slitting their throat on the spot.
"By your leave, Sunstride." Though his approval was not one with any real authority, the striped tom was slowly earning it despite their previous disagreements.

​

 

[WOLFSONG]

──⇌•〘 INFO 〙 He had hoped that he would be paired with Sunstride, but Badgermoon has seen it fit to assign Sunstride leadership of their thieves and Wolfsong a place among the diversion. He is close enough that the other tom's brief yet emphatic exhalation is plain in his ears. He is, as always, eager to whet his claws, and he knows the same can be said for Sunstride— just as he knows they would both prefer to do so at each other's sides. But it will not be the first battle they have waded through without each other, and fates willing, it shall not be the last. Whatever happens, they will not be apart for long. I hope the sight of us enflames the SkyClanners' hearts beyond reason, and that your glory is not too costly, Sky-Light.

Aloud, he counters, "Do not forget to duck your head and stay downwind, or they'll smell you long before they see your flaming arse." It's playfully harsh, and he doesn't hesitate to lean into the broad heft of his skull, foreheads pressed close and nose bridges brushing. And then Sunstride pulls away, and Wolfsong retreats backward, ignoring his heart's heave.
​

 

[TIGERFROST]

Tags and Information

---

Though he is silent on the outside, inside he is screaming. His blood is hot and his eyes are fiery. There is a passion beating within his heart, a cruel desire to insure that SkyClan would pay. Taking his place among the raiders near Badgermoon, the frosty warrior allows the storm within his mind to brew unhindered. He was ready for this fight.​

 

[SHREWTUFT]

a war in leaf-bare isn't something any sane person would want, not when the world was already against them by plaguing their kind with sickness and the ever lingering threat of starvation hovering over hunched shoulders but windclan was left with no other choice. they either let their ailing clanmates succumb to the sickness or fight tooth and claw to get the resources they needed.

shrewtuft knows in her heart that dandelionwish would've protested against needless violence, that they'd find another way but this was the only way. wasn't it? he'd understand, wouldn't he? she was doing this for him afterall, it wasn't fair that he constantly keeps getting the shortend of the stick that starclan hands to him and was left to do everything on his own.

there's a quiet, drawn out exhale that falls from slightly parted lips. cats are already being split off into their designated patrols and shrewtuft is called along to join the main patrol and she is quick to wander over but not before sparing a glance towards the medicine den where her brother lay.

' m'sorry dandelionwish but this gotta be done. '

[ THE HUNTER'S MOON IS SHINING ]​

​

 

[Coyotecrest]

I won't apologize for being who I am

Coyotepaw took his time when making his way over to where the stealth patrol lay in wait. His mint colored eyes just as hard as the ice that crusted over the snow piled along their camp. He resented everything about this patrol, the situation he found himself in, and whatever outcome would occur after. Badgermoon emphasized his name among the ranks of those being called for certain patrols and the boy could've sworn he felt his lips wrinkle in the beginnings of a curl. The deputy was practically twisting the knife at this point. Reluctantly he found himself standing within the secondary group gaze downcast as he mulled over the million different ways this could go even more wrong than it already had. Silently, he begrudgingly awaits departure. ​

Tryna throw shade on me say a lot 'bout you​

​

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[bunnywhisker]

Dandelionwish's return had been missed by Bunnywhisker - had she been out hunting, hiding from the snow in the tunnels, or some other third thing, she doesn't know. But it's all been far from kept a secret, as news of it and the subsequent patrol hit her ears not long after. A bloom of anxiety unfurls in her chest when Badgermoon finally gathers the crowd to announce his deliberation. It's still odd, not having Sootstar be the one to do it. She's with kittens, however - it'd be stupid for her to even think of joining the patrols. And she's far from stupid.

The moor runner stops beside Icepaw, eyebrows furrowed as Badgermoon lists names. She finds hers at the end, and pride just barely overtakes the anxiety prior. She decides that it's a win, as even if she is to die on this mission, it's for the better of the rest of them. Still, the tenseness in her jaw doesn't go away. Icepaw is called for the stealth patrol and Bunnywhisker bumps her hip into the other's, unable to see the startled fear that's locked just behind the tunneler apprentice's gaze. Strawpaw murmurs something just far off to Icepaw, but Bunnywhisker leaves the other in silence. They'll all be fine. It's for the better. She just keeps telling herself that much.​

 

[Firefang]

Firepaw didn't think of the consequences of what they were about to do, to naïve to comprehend the idea that if they lost it could end in catastrophe for not just those sick but every other Windclanner as well - she doesn't hold the same responsibility as Badgermoon does who holds the fate of his clan in his paws as he puts together patrols and prepares them for a battle they may not all return from. They were not in peak form the lack of food making many of them weaker then they should be and the roaring winds and pelting snow did them no favors yet despite the conditions they had no real choice but to go after Skyclan for what they were "owed" Firepaw was sure they'd get those herbs rather they needed to use force or not. She listens to the deputies decree, a sharp grin spreading across her features as he announces the patrols, she would join them she'd get her chance to spill some treeclimbing kittypet-lovin' Skyclan blood she'd show all the skills she honed, it was the first step to becoming a true worthy member of Windclan it was a chance she'd prayed for. Sure Smokepaw would be there to try and steal her glory but that could be a good thing, he could be the good little son and carry word of her victory back to Ravencry; their mother. She holds herself high, proud she was considered proud she'd serve her clan she finds happiness while those old enough to no better would find trepidation for the battle to come. Such worries wouldn't overcome her mind till faced with the shining claws and fangs of her foes, and even then she doubts it'd be much how intimidating could they really be?

But they aren't the only patrol, soon he calls out the names of those with the task of truly ensuring the survival of the sick and to her surprise she hears the name of her 'rival' called out and her ears fall back and for some reason she feels her heart skip a bit. No way, she'd get ripped apart Icepaw couldn't fight worth dung she'd get killed! Any other apprentice would've been a better pick, she knew Coyotepaw at least could hold his own and wouldn't come home too battered up but she can't say for her. Once Badgermoon stops speaking she'd look around spotting the she-cat along with Strawpaw and she'd come to approach her and the smirk on her face is a weak one; forced. Why should she care what happened to the dumb tunneler anyway? She'd have Juniperfrost with her to pick up her slack so why worry? She didn't even CARE about her! Strawpaw is already leaving heading off to find their spot with the patrol by the time she reaches Icepaw, she shifts uncomfortably before speaking.

❝Don't you dare die out there mousebrain❞ the insult is thrown in as an after thought before she turns on her heel and stalks after Strawpaw. ​

( PLACE ME IN MY CASKET TONIGHT ; BECAUSE IM ALREADY DYING INSIDE )

 

[icebreath]

TAGS — She's quick to zone out as she stands motionlessly with her assigned patrol, overcome with worry over everything that could possibly go wrong — and she can think of a lot of things. Fortunately, it's not too long before a voice in her ear suddenly snaps her out of it, hushed but intent. Strawpaw's eyes meet hers when she looks up, and as she stares into them her fear comes crashing back at full force. Right, they're on the border patrol, the main attackers! A deep frown creases her delicate features. "You too," she replies earnestly. She has no idea how good the other apprentice is at fighting, truthfully, but they really don't seem like the combative type. She doesn't wish attendance upon any of her peers — if only this battle didn't have to happen in the first place! The sentiment extends even to Firepaw, which occurs to her as the other molly approaches and wishes Icepaw safety first; it initially comes as a bit of a surprise, but this is a life or death situation and obviously nobody wants anyone to die. Regardless of their relationship, they're clanmates first and foremost, and the thought of her peer falling in battle once again sends a pulse of anxiety through her. So does the reminder that death is a possibility, but she of all cats can't blame Firepaw for worrying. "Same to you," she calls after her, pale gaze lingering on her dark frame as she catches up with Strawpaw and the rest of their band. StarClan, keep them safe. And my patrol, too. Please.
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