To the surprise of many, Spurclan is not opposed to outsiders. Though they will fiercely defend their territory from those who aim to steal it or the sparse prey that is there- they will not pick fights with those who only aim to cross it or who have accidentally stumbled past their borders. With a territory as large as Spurclan’s, it’s not like they’ll truly notice the difference.

Most surprisingly, though, is the fact that Spurclan does not turn those away who wish to join their clan. Though they must be prepared to prove themselves, just as any born Spurclanner has to. Life in Spurclan does not come easily, and those who seek to join their ranks must be prepared for that truth.

Though Spurclan is usually not amongst the list of well-liked clans, they are most certainly the most honest. They aren’t the type to dance around things and will typically say things how they are. Most will assume that Spurclan cats are rough around the edges and brutal in order to survive, and that they make up for any physical weakness with underhanded tactics.

Despite this, They are not usually at the heart of most conflicts. Because despite their aggression, they are typically happy to let matters lie and live their own lives. They are ferocious, but only when provoked. So usually it is better to leave the Spurclan warriors alone.

Their most positive association is of being silent protectors of the steppe. To those who get lost in their territory, Spurclan cats will offer a helping hand without much question. Because they know the dangers of their flat stretch of territory, and they do not think anyone should be lost and forgotten to the wilds.

Spurclan’s connection to Starclan is by far the least traditional. With their open territory and unobstructed view of the sky, one may say that the only closer you could get to Starclan is by visiting the Sundrip itself. Their nights are often lit by the light of Silverpelt, and its light rarely lets their territory go pitch black. They know the stars like an old friend, and those who have an eye for it learn to look towards them for guidance and as a way to navigate the lands they call home. Elders even tell tales of the stars, and point out constellations that represent warriors of the past.

This constant feel of spiritual connection is contrasted deeply by the experience of the night during a New Moon. Their usually lit territory is dropped into a pitch darkness, with only the stars above watching. It is believed that Starclan cannot reach the clans during these nights, and only those that aren’t of Starclan can wander the night. During these nights all clan movement is put to a halt, and patrols are suspended until the next. Only the most experienced of warriors are allowed to go out- though some younger ones often wish to prove their worth.

For the most part, though, Spurclan is the least Religious of the clans. Though many cats do believe that spirits wander during the new moon, just as many will argue that it’s simply too dangerous to wander an already hard to navigate territory in the dark. Spirituality and Rationality meddle the waters into a mostly ambivalent clan that does not truly lean either way.

At first glance, one would assume Spurclan may have it better than the other clans. Boasting a territory twice the size of either Camasclan or Giliaclan’s, and the ability to keep it patrolled and protected. At second glance, one would realize quickly why: Neither Giliaclan or Camasclan want it.

A large stretch of open land, one can see for miles from the higher side of it. And they can see all that Spurclan territory is- a vast sea of rocky sand and dust, peppered with dry sagebrush and the occasional cactus. It is dry and there are not many sources of water that isn’t coming directly from Camasclan’s river. All vegetation lies close to the ground, giving ample cover to the cats who call it home: but also ample cover for whoever else may be lurking in the grass. With the territory looking much the same no matter where you are, Navigation is tough for anyone who isn’t an experienced Spurclan warrior, and a cat’s sense of direction is very important for not getting stranded in the desert.

Temporary Camps

With such a large territory and a difficult time with navigation, Spurclan has learned to adapt in an unusual way. They are almost always on the move, shifting from place to place in their territory to follow prey and to keep ahead of predators.

There are several camps that the clan rotates between, though the number often fluctuates as more camps are found or abandoned. These camps are often different, as Spurclan works with their territory rather than against it. Some camps are nestled between what few geographical features exist, others are ones scraped out from underneath a particularly dense brush, and others are old rabbit burrows that they have claimed for themselves.

During transitions, Young kits and Herbs are often carried, and warriors are always surrounding those who need the support. Spurclan has a strong sense of nobody left behind, and losing cats during these moves is incredibly uncommon. That mentioned, Prey is the only thing often left behind during these moves. Bones may be buried, but often anything fresh is left in the open to keep predators off their tails.

Spurclan’s territory has half as much prey as the territories of Camasclan or Giliaclan- it’s why they have twice as large of a territory to make up for it. For the most part, Spurclan is not picky when it comes to food, though truthfully they simply cannot afford to be. The bulk of their diet comes from rodents and reptiles. Animals that are found upon or under the dusty earth Spurclan calls home. 

Those that fall in the latter territory is what Spurclan favors. Ground squirrels, Chipmunks, Gophers, and even the occasional Marmot are all on the menu for Spurclan. Even if finding their burrows is only half of the challenge of hunting them. Pikas and Bats are also options when the goings are not great, though both require some knowledge of where they like to hide.

Above the ground they typically prey upon reptiles. Lizards, Gartersnakes, and even Bullsnakes are options- though many warriors are cautious of the bullsnakes, in fear that they may actually have the far more dangerous Rattlesnake on their hands.

By far the most prized catch amongst Spurclan though is the rabbits. Specifically the Jack-Rabbits. They are the ultimate test of strength and endurance for a Spurclan warrior, and are always seen as an impressive catch. Though one must be careful with them, because they are just as dangerous to warriors as the warriors are to them. Those who bit off more than they can chew can expect powerful kicks and an animal that can run faster than they can- and has a burrow to dive back into.

Despite the array of options Spurclan may have, they are not always fortunate enough to find their desired prey. Leaving them open to try just about anything. Prey stealing is not below the average Spurclanner, whether they are stealing from predators or from their neighboring clans. Spurclan cats are known to eat just about anything should you tell them it’s food, even if most cats would turn their nose up at it.

There are many dangers present for Spurclan cats. Even looking past the risks of the territory in and of itself. The most prevalent come in two forms; Coyotes, and Birds of Prey. The openness of Spurclan territory leaves very little shelter to be had, and very few places to hide when the hunters become the hunted.

Coyotes are by far the most notable dangers to Spurclan. They are ever-present, often appearing in packs of two or more. They are often trailing only days behind Spurclan’s constant movement, and are always lingering right out of view or when a cat least expects it. There is an agreement amongst Spurclan that their territory is just as much the Coyote’s as it is theirs, and most cats are taught to respect the danger they hold. Avoid whenever possible, and only fight when there is no other choice.

But right after Coyotes, the birds quickly follow. Without much places to hide, the Cats of Spurclan are easy prey for large birds. Eagles pose threats to even warriors, and Ospreys and Falcons will target apprentices and kits. The worst is that not even the night is safe, because that is when there are owls patrolling the skies. 

Other dangers include Badgers and Foxes, neither of which typically prey upon the clancats, but will most certainly defend themselves if disturbed. Both prove to be quite the risk for them, and are as such often best left alone.

The least expected dangers come in the form of the ungulates that may choose to cross and graze upon their territory. Bison, Bighorn Sheep, and even White Tailed Deer are not uncommon sights. Though they themselves do not often pose a threat, the predators that follow them most certainly do. Wolves and Cougars are uncommon, but they are not unheard of. Following the trails of their preferred prey, and stumbling across clan cats by chance. When the grazers are nearby, the clan is always on alert.