Long ago, SunClan was known to be a warm and welcoming place, a place of peace and devotion to the warrior code. Over time, the clan evolved, favoring justice over peace, a group able to hold their own against their enemies. Under Timberstar, the first signs of sun worship took place, the clan greeting the rising sun, as well as holding festivals of celebration or mourning with the changing of the seasons. In the wake of a fire that killed nearly half the clan’s population during Foxstar’s leadership, the clan changed drastically. A new deity emerged, the Sun himself, who’d saved Foxstar and a small group of her clanmates, including her deputies and medicine cat. Stories began to circulate from him, of cats who worshiped the Sun and Moon long before the existence of clans, that SunClan itself was descended from these first Sun Worshipers. Returning to their roots, the clan became known as it is today, the Chosen Ones of the Sun, protected and guided by him in ways StarClan couldn’t, all in exchange for worshiping him.
Nowadays, SunClan has closed themselves off from outsiders, the warrior code but an afterthought in their mind as a new code was developed from it to be more suited to their beliefs. Taking on some of the Sun’s traits, SunClan cats are faithful only to themselves and their religion, tending to be supercilious, egotistical, and self-serving, showing contempt for the heretics that are the other clans, they're a group likely to go to war simply to prove their superiority.
Though they pride themselves greatly on appearances, boasting every possible shade of eye colors, including rare violets, their pelts tend to be more monotone to blend in with their surroundings. Brown tabbies, tortoiseshells, and other similar tones are most prevalent, with solid grayscale shades from black to white being rather rare due to selective breeding, since the lighter toned grays and whites hardly blend with the golden forests of SunClan’s territory.
THE SUN
A chaotic and self-righteous being, the Sun, otherwise called the Sun God, is the main deity of SunClan. A neutral deity, the Sun doesn't care whether cats are good or evil, as he himself is neither, so long as they continue to worship him. He watches over and protects SunClan in exchange for worship, and can even be somewhat benevolent when dealing with SunClan, his Chosen cats. Unlike some other worshiped deities, the Sun plays an active part in the lives of the clan, from their traditions to their ceremonies, and it isn't uncommon to spot flashes of a large white tom with thick, golden shaded fur flecked with fire and amber eyes wandering the territory.
SUNCLAN'S CODE
Based upon the warrior code, this code is the cornerstone of the Clan
I. The word of the High Priest is law. Only the Sun can overrule it.
II. There is to be no worship of any god, deity, or spirit other than the Sun.
III. After the Sun, SunClan comes first. Friendships and relationships with cats outside the clan are looked down upon, but not prohibited, so long as it does not impact a member's loyalty to SunClan.
IV. The clan is family. No outside help is to be sought, unless express permission is given by the High Priest. Everything spoken within SunClan territory is secret, and thus repetition of even the smallest gossip is forbidden.
V. The Clan's religious rituals and festivals are sacred to SunClan, and should be treated as such. SunClan members must adhere to these rituals. Outsiders, save for Initiates, may not be present during celebrations or rituals. Initiates may only watch, unless otherwise permitted by the High Priest or the Sun.
VI. SunClan cats must have warrior-style names. Those who refuse cannot participate in SunClan celebrations or rituals.
VII. Kits born to a SunClan cat and an outsider belong to SunClan. Except in cases of exile, no holy SunClan blood must be found in the other clans.
VIII. SunClan territory is sacred. All outsiders who do not wish to join must be chased away or killed.
IX. Killing outsiders is prohibited without express permission from the High Priest, except when necessary as an act of self defense, or if said cat is trespassing. Upon discovery, you will be punished.
X. Betrayal is the utmost crime. The punishment for treason is death or exile.
XI. Until they are given their warrior name, cats of kit and apprentice age are not considered full members of the Clan. As such, they are not allowed to attend Gatherings, take on a mate or have kits, cannot participate in any Ceremonies in which they are not involved, and must listen to full members, regardless of age differences.
XII. All "Of Age" outsiders who wish to join SunClan must go through an initiation process similar to that of apprenticeship. Cats younger than 12 moons are to be accepted as a full member of SunClan once they receive their warrior names, just as any other kit or apprentice.
XIII. Once an outsider has completed the Shifting Tides ritual, they are subject to all the benefits and privileges of even a pureblood SunClanner.
THE MOON
An orderly and humble being, the Moon, otherwise called the Moon God, is another neutral deity, and the Sun God's brother. This deity is not worshiped among SunClan, but rather is hated and belittled at every opportunity. Nonetheless, he is a recognized deity within the clan, if begrudgingly. He cannot be found in SunClan territory, however, he is said to be as white as the moon and shaded with gray, with silver eyes and moonlight gleaming in his sleek fur.
HIGH PRIEST
The Leader
With the divine right to rule, this cat's will supersedes that of any cat in the clan, answering only to the Sun God. The High Priest or Priestess is the clan's healer, their military leader, and the foremost authority in everything SunClan, from their religion, to their traditions and history. They conduct ceremonies and festivals, keep the clan healthy and close to their deity, and are responsible for keeping the clan functioning. So long as this cat holds to SunClan's ways, the Sun will almost always side with them over the Clan. This cat is allowed all warm colors, as well as black and white body paint, and is indicated by a fire symbol on the forehead.
PRIEST PROMISED
The Deputy
Chosen by the Sun God from the ranks of the Janus, this cat is the future High Priest of SunClan. They eat, sleep, and study at the Priest's side, eventually taking on some of their mentor's duties. Upon promotion to this position, the Promised is given their warrior name, if they do not already possess one. They are identifiable by the Sun painted on their forehead, and are allowed to wear all warm colored paints.
SOOTHSAYER
The MC Equivalent
Unlike the other clans' medicine cats, this cat does no healing, as that duty falls on the High Priest or Priestess of the time. Rather, these cats search for omens, looking to the future of SunClan as the Sun God reveals it. They're the one to conduct the rituals to choose the Janus and Promised, in addition to living with, overseeing, and educating the Janus in the ways of the clan, namely SunClan's history, religion, basic healing, and how to spot omens. They're allowed to have a mate and kits. Cats in SunClan often go to the Soothsayer asking about omens that concern themselves. This cat is allowed all colors of body paint, and is indicated by an open eye symbol on the forehead.
SOOTHSAYER PROMISED
The MCA Equivalent
Chosen by the Sun God from the ranks of the Janus, this cat is the future Soothsayer of SunClan. They eat, sleep, and study at the Soothsayers's side, eventually taking on some of their mentor's duties. Upon promotion to this position, the Promised is given their warrior name, if they do not already possess one. They are identifiable by the Sun painted on their forehead, and are allowed to wear all cool colored paints.
The JANUS
The Scholars
Living with the Soothsayer in a separate camp from the rest of the clan, these cats are somewhat of a mystery to the majority of SunClan. Keeping to themselves, these six cats have recorded and memorized the entire history of the clan as far back as SunClan's first leader, and are avid seekers of knowledge. As such, no risks are too high in the pursuit of valuable knowledge of the clans and world around them. They are taught by the Soothsayer in all SunClan's ways, hunting, fighting, and omen spotting included, to prepare them for the possibility of becoming a Promised. The Janus ensure ceremonies are conducted properly, and that the Burial Grounds and herb stores are tended to. Usually, these cats are chosen from kits and apprentices, however warriors, senate members, and the extraordinarily rare Initiate can also be chosen for this position. They are indicated by a mark on their foreheads, a circle, rather than the sun of the Promised, as well as full body paint. Red, for kits. Orange, for apprentices. Yellow, for warriors. White, for elders. All Janus are allowed the color black. The Janus hold their positions for life, rarely stepping down. Kit and apprentice aged cats aren't allowed a mate or kits, despite receiving their warrior names upon promotion and thus being full members. Having them, unless otherwise given permission, is grounds for demotion. This restriction is lifted upon reaching warrior age. In times of war, these are the clan's strategists and assassins.
THE SENATE
The Peacekeepers
Rather than retiring when Warriors reach old age, in SunClan they become a part of the Senate. These esteemed cats are not required to hunt or fight, though they may if they're capable and willing. Instead, they serve mainly as advisors to the High Priest or Priestess of the time, not only offering their valued opinions on official matters, but also representing the younger members of the clan, their needs, wants, and the like. Senate members are also the clan's peacekeepers, resolving arguments and battles that the High Priest can't take the time to deal with in their daily life. When the clan has Initiates, these are the cats who are chosen as their Guides, meant to oversee the Initiates, assign them duties, as well as educate them on the inner workings and religion of the clan prior to their Initiation during the Shifting Tides ritual. In times of war, these cats are the clan's generals, heading battle patrols if capable, and continuing to advise the High Priest if not. Senators wear white body paint.
THE INITIATES
The Newcomers
Being notoriously unwelcoming to outsiders, it is rare that even those wishing to join are brought back to camp, and all who wish to do so must wait at the border. Those that do, however, can join SunClan one of two ways. If under twelve moons, they will be accepted without question as an apprentice or kit, rising to the rank of warrior alongside their peers. All cats over twelve moons, however, become Initiates. The initiation process is much like an apprenticeship, as the cats aren't allowed to attend gatherings, and are given menial work at times as they learn about the clans ways. It differs in that Initiates must pass a test in the form of the Shifting Tides Ritual, in which their heart is examined by the Sun God. Those who are found to be loyal, with SunClan hearts, are given warrior names and welcomed as full members. Those that fail are killed by the Janus before they have the chance to escape. Initiate are not allowed to wear body paint.
THE NORMAL RANKS
The Chosen Ones
As with all clans, SunClan has its Warriors, Apprentices, Queens, and Kits. Favored by the Sun God, these cats bask in the Sun's rays as they go about their daily duties, whether that be hunting, fighting, caring for kits, or simply playing around with a moss ball. Kits wear red body paint, apprentices wear orange body paint, and warriors wear yellow body paint.
CAMP
SunClan's camp is located in a sandstone and clay gorge in the center of the territory, bearing tall, steep walls, and thick brambles on both sides that prevent outsiders from invading, except through a singular exit full of deceptive side tunnels that lead only to deadly openings along the cliff's edge. Dens are built into caves on the cliff-side, and the camp receives copious amounts of Sun for the clan to sun themselves with, as well as a river to one side that provides an easily accessible source of water.
THE TRAINING HOLLOW
Located to the northeast, the training hollow is made up of loose sand and small bushes, with a few trees, tall rocks, and a nearby river to provide different types of training to the clan's apprentices.
BURIAL GROUNDS
To the north is a large field that has since become SunClan's burial grounds. Sunflowers of all colors blanket the landscape, as SunClan plants seeds in the field for each member of the clan who dies. This place is always warm, blooming, and full of prey, thanks to the nearby hot springs.
CEREMONY SPRINGS
At the center of the Burial Grounds, and surrounded by a mysterious red river is the Ceremony Springs, a hot, humid area with a central rock where the clan's Ceremonies are conducted. Most of the clan's herbs can be found here year round, due to the warm climate the springs offer.
JANUS CAMP
A tunnel at the Ceremony Springs leads to the Janus' camp. This tunnel leads to a main cavern, where prey is stored, and members of the clan are welcome to interact with the Janus. Aside from the High Priest, Soothsayer, and Promised, no other members of the clan besides the Janus can traverse the rest of the tunnel system, where sleeping quarters and study caverns lay. The punishment is steep for sneaking around such areas.
CURSED ROCK
To the southwest of the territory, halfway between camp and the gathering place, is a place that's come to be known as the Cursed Rock. It was here that Crowlight, Crowluster, and Crowluminescence were killed, as well as others murdered by Wormwood, a former Soothsayer who attempted to copy the deaths of the Crow cats. This rock, and the ground around it, is bloodstained, the area eerily quiet and full of crows. It is considered bad luck within the clan to visit this place, and it is said that if one visits the rock at night, they risk their own death by those whose souls have been damned by the Sun God.
WATERLOGGED RUINS
Located just off to the side of the river that runs from the lake is an old twoleg cabin, half sunk into the water and falling apart. Most cats in the clan have no use for this place, but the High Priest will often visit in the colder moons to collect catmint, which grows best here.
THE OLD BRIDGE
Located along the river that runs near to the NightClan border, this twoleg built bridge is the only way to cross the river safely, and the only way to get to the NightClan border, most of the DayClan border, and the Gathering Place.
THE ETERNAL WAR
No one actually knows where the Sun or Moon Gods came from, or what sparked their mutual hatred. Even the original worshipers of the Sun and Moon, cats alive far before the clans, didn't know. But for as long as they've been worshiped, the Sun and Moon, brothers who've turned against each other, have been at war, the stars their armies clashing forever. Each constantly puts the other down, attempting to gain the upper hand and repress their foe. Subduing them is all they can do, however, as both are required for balance in the world, even if one has little influence.
SUNCLAN'S AFTERLIFE
Death, for SunClan, is a bit different than death for the other clans. In total, there are three afterlives for SunClan cats. The Isle of the Chosen, StarClan, and the Dark Forest. Upon death, a cat who has followed SunClan's ways is given the choice of entering either the Isle of the Chosen, or StarClan. This does not necessarily mean that the cat was good, only that they were obedient to the Sun God and worshiped him accordingly. The Isle of the Chosen is a bright, warm paradise, where those who have died believing in the Sun God can relax. StarClan, for SunClan cats, is different from the watchful ancestors they once were. The Sun God uses those SunClan cats residing in StarClan's realm to relay messages, deliver prophecies, give lives, and any such other duties he believes relevant to aid SunClan or use in his war against the Moon. The choice doesn't necessarily matter, as a cat can travel between the Isle and StarClan as often as they wish, though the Sun God prefers hard workers. Cats who are cursed or act out against SunClan in life are generally banished to the Dark Forest.
THE DAILY PRAYERS
SunClan, being highly religious, has prayers at dawn and dusk, spoken by the High Priest. Both are followed by the clan eating together.
The Morning Prayer
"Oh Sun, Great Protector of SunClan, as you rise, you bestow light upon your Chosen, bringing life and strength to the Clan and the cats within. Shine upon us today as we carry out your will, and continue to guide our steps, that we may never lose sight of you."
The Evening Prayer
Oh Sun, Great Protector of SunClan, as you fall below the horizon, you reveal to us the eternal war you fight against the Moon. Lead us this night, that we may help you to overcome your enemy, as you strengthen us against our enemies, and guide us in our daily lives."
FESTIVALS
The Summer Solstice [ June 21st ]
This is the day that the Sun is the highest point in the sky, and one to give thanks and praise to the Sun for it's light. The clan wakes up early on the Summer Solstice to watch the Sun's movement throughout the day and this is a day SunClan feels particularly strong. They go outside together, paying tribute to their ancestors, who are visible and can converse with the living on this one day at the Burial Grounds. The Clan also holds dances, where the clan paints their bodies and reenacts key moments in SunClan’s history, holds contests, and the Janus tell stories of the clan’s past as they share tongues at an evening feast.
The Winter Solstice [ December 21st ]
This is the day the sun is at it's lowest point in the sky. It is a sign to the SunClan cats that they are at their weakest point; prey is scarce and the clan is more prone to catching illnesses. They show their support to the Sun and the High Priest gives a speech at nightfall. Before dawn that day, the warriors and apprentices hunt for the queens and kits, and everyone but the queens and kits fast for the day, relaxing, mourning, and sharing tongues.
ZODIACS
With each month of the year, SunClan believes certain traits are more likely to appear. These are symbolized mainly by the various plants and animals that can be found in SunClan.
January / Wolverine / Resilient
February / Rabbit / Nimble
March / Earth / Balanced
April / Apple Blossom / Loving
May / Rose / Independent
June / Fire / Profound
July / Eye / Leader
August / Heart / Charismatic
September / Wind / Perfectionist
October / Memories / Introspective
November / Dreams / Visionary
December / Water / Adaptive
FAMILIES
In SunClan families, queens and kits, are especially revered and honored. When a queen gives birth, members of the clan shower both the new mother and her children in gifts, whether they be the kits' zodiac symbol, fresh prey, beautiful flowers, or other trinkets and toys.
Queens, whether expectant or raising at the time, are pampered, receiving the best bedding, den, and the freshest prey, for they have been blessed by the Sun God with kits.
Kits are treated similarly, being the first to eat within the clan, with the youngest eating before the oldest, and are able to spend their days playing and learning SunClan's ways.
When choosing names, queens are very purposeful in what they select, whether they name their children thematically, after their symbols or traits, or even after deceased relatives. Most families have warrior names already chosen for their kits, and it is common for them to ask the High Priest to name them according to their wishes.
GATHERING FORMATION
Though they do not follow the warrior code, and by extension, make no promises to uphold peace at the Gathering, SunClan does still attend.
As a show of both power and unity, the clan arrives in a military style formation, before eventually breaking up into their groups to converse, whether that be among themselves, or with cats of the other clans, though they're conscious to uphold SunClan's fourth code, even here.
The Formation
The Clan is spread out in an arc, with the High Priest at the head, flanked by the Soothsayer, and any Promised of the time. They are followed by the Janus, spread out in a curved line of their own. Finally, the members of the Senate come forth, each member heading a group of warriors attending the gathering.
CROW CURSE
After the deaths of Crowlight, Crowluster, and Crowluminescence, the Sun God visited the Priestess Foxstar in a vision, proclaiming crows as cursed beings within the clan.
From this time on, the creatures have been seen as bad omens, and are avoided by the clan, as they are though to bring death and destruction to the cats of SunClan.
In SunClan, to name a cat with either a prefix or suffix of crow is considered cursing them, thereby marking them for a life of misery, and eventually, death.
CHANGING OF THE RANKS
The Ritual for Promotion to Janus and/or Promised, Lead by the Soothsayer
"Cats of SunClan, the day has come for our Great Protector to choose his new servants. For what we currently lack, he will provide. As you all know, we are in need for (Soothsayer/Priest Promised and/or Janus). Some of our sharpest minds and strongest paws have been chosen to serve the Sun, and have nominated those who they believe to be worthy in their own right for future leadership. Let us not forget, however, that all in the clan are subject to consideration, for it is our mighty ruler who decides all. Janus, please step forward from the crowd with your nominee, so that your hearts and commitment may be judged."
-Cats step forward with their Janus, and the Sun God indicates whom they chose as Janus/Promised-
"We thank the Sun God for blessing us with these cats. May they lead us well and bring honor and glory to Him."
-Warrior names are given to kit/apprentice aged cats/Initiates-
Those to be promoted are indicated by a shaft of light. If a Promised is needed, then both the Janus indicated and their nominee will be promoted, to Promised and Janus respectively. Only the nominee will be promoted if no Promised is needed. When none of the current Janus are chosen and by extension, none of the nominated cats, (as they're always chosen as their pair) a vision of lighting will strike before the chosen cats, leaving soot on their paws, and the eldest cat will be promoted to Promised, if one is being chosen at the time. The remaining cat(s) receive promotion to Janus.
YOUNG SUNS' RISING
The Usual Ceremonies
(To those being promoted) Children of the Sun, the High Priest/Priest Promised desires your presence below the Springrock.
(To the Clan. Kits/Apprentices->Next Rank) It is with great reverence that I, High Priest/Priest Promised ___, stand beneath our Great Protector today and bask in his eternal rays. With his permission and guidance, it is now that I grant our youth their new names. May they serve him well and bring blessings onto his people.
-The new names are given-
(To the newly named warriors) Newly named warriors of SunClan, it is with great pleasure that we now welcome you as full members of the clan.
(To the Clan. Warriors ->Senate) It is with great reverence that I, High Priest(ess) ___, stand beneath our Great Protector today and bask in his eternal rays. With his permission, it is now that I promote our loyal warriors to their place among the Senate, as peacekeepers, guides, and advisors to the clan, the Initiates, and myself.
-Cats are promoted to the Senate-
SHIFTING TIDES
The ritual for promotion from Initiate to Warrior/Senator
"Initiates, you have worked hard serving SunClan, and learning the ways of the Sun God. You've proven that you can act as a part of SunClan, and you can work as a part of SunClan, but now, the Sun God will tell us if you truly have the heart of a SunClan cat. Step forward, Initiates, and let the Sun shine on your souls."
-High Priest watches the sunflowers given to them by each Initiate. The sunflowers of the Initiates who have SunClan hearts catch fire. Those that don't remain whole.-
"[Names of Initiates who passed], the Sun has examined your heart and seen that you are truly worthy of joining SunClan. As the tides shift, abandon your old lives and begin them anew in service to the Sun God. I now grant you your new names."
-The Initiates receive warrior names-
"[Names of Initiates who failed], the Sun has examined your heart and seen only treachery and lies. You came to SunClan under false pretenses and made a mockery of our deity. You shall now pay the price."
-The Janus murder the failed Initiates-
THE SUN GOD
Roleplayed by Honeystorm
Bio tba. c;