The Shadowed Abyss - (Semi-Advanced Clan)

--- Territory

The desolate lands around the abyss, which the cats call the barrens, are almost devoid of harmless animal life. There are many tough, gnarled trees, however, and these will often host families of birds - for the adept abyssal climbers, it’s not too difficult to quietly scale a tree and snatch a bird from its perch. There are also a few rabbits in warrens, though smaller cats might have a tough time catching them.
Finally, watch out for bears. They adore this area. Fortunately they are lazy, and are too large to squeeze through the maw, but will often make an effort for a cat who sleeps outside or forgets where they are.

Water is not an issue, as there is a large pool inside the camp as well as near the Maw. Some cats prefer to drink it further upstream, before it's contaminated with chalk.

From the maw's dusty bowl, the stream flows downwards from a spring in the mountains.

--- The Abyss

The cramped entrance to the abyss, which the cats call the Maw, can only allow small creatures to fit. Even an average-sized cat will have to crouch to pass through. As the entrance side of the maw is slippery with water, a cat should reach the small bubble of open space before jumping to the other side and descending.

Though it’s not particularly steep, it seems to go down forever. It’s not uncommon for creatures to damage themselves on the sandpaper stalactites of the rockface, but these claws are also a blessing, as they provide strong footholds for the abyssals.

There are roundish alcoves in the walls, easily accessible. These are filled with leaves and feathers, and are used as dens, though they are referred to as hollows.

As the chasm sits directly on a faultline, it has been known to shift. Someone who has lived there for a while may note that the walls swell inwards and outwards over a period of moons, like slow-breathing lungs. Immediately after Devouring Day, the thinnest part of the chasm below the main camp will shut completely. The Darkseer warns all cats that they should return to the camp before this time, as if they do not, they will be sealed in the belly of the abyss for several days.

Below the Hall, the main area of the abyss, which is directly underneath the drop from the entrance, the cave becomes thinner and steeper. Most cats cannot bear to go too far from the hall - just a few tens of metres in, it becomes so dark that even a cat with keen eyes cannot see anything.

[img width=510 height=382]http://cdn.morguefile.com/imag…_15/file4261245093641.jpg[/img]

The abyssal cats believe the abyss itself is occupied by a sentient, powerful, eternally starving being. They call her the Shadow. She is not quite a god, but still to be feared and respected. By the grace of the Shadow, they are permitted to live in the shallows of her domain, where they are sheltered from danger and the elements.

In return for this, they will often sacrifice what they can to feed her. Every six moons, on Devouring Day, every cat who does not have critical duties in the clan will emerge from the maw to hunt. That day, everything brought back will be ceremonially thrown into the depths for the Shadow's consumption.

Some say that if you go too far down into the abyss, into the lightless tunnels of the Depths, you will feel a prickling on your skin. Hours later, it will become a burn. Within a few days, it will be agony. Those are the same cats who say the Shadow eats those she finds displeasing - "So, for your sake, try to keep on her good side". Of course, the Darkseer does not condone such idiotic tales. The Shadow is a benevolent mother to us all, and only ungrateful children claim otherwise.

(Fields with a * MUST be filled in. Any biography you link to should describe your cat’s appearance, personality and history. In fact, the more detailed the better.

Abyssal cats are given names that resemble sounds heard in the Abyss. The shades are responsible for choosing names, but you can tell the person roleplaying them what you want. If your cat already has a non-Abyss name and is joining, the shades WILL attempt to change it - there can be good reasons for your cat to fight it, and you’re obviously permitted to do so, but your cat’s fellow abyssals will probably disapprove.)

--- Form

If you can find it in your heart to tow around a clickable Shadowed Abyss graphic or banner, I personally and the others who might join would really appreciate it. You can find a graphic and a banner made by me below, though feel free to make and use your own.

Thanks for your time. :)