To some (mostly Boars), hunting is merely a chore: a necessity so simple that it isn’t even worth the effort to learn. To Birds, however, it is an art, and these warriors spend much of their time honing their skills, seeking new and better ways to bring prey back to their home. It is perhaps little wonder, then, that Treeclan’s Birds are owners of an impressive arsenal of techniques, and that there’s a form of hunting to suit almost every need. It’s appreciation of hunting’s complexities, and not the skill’s necessity, that has driven the development of its three specialisations, and even now Birds encourage their apprentices—and each other—to try new techniques; to improve on the old; to make the art their own.
Over time, the combination of the Four’s original techniques, and generations of experimentation, led to the development of entirely new forms of hunting. Branch came first, and is well established within the clan, but more recently Tree hunting has been added to the arsenal, further expanding the hunter’s reach, and opening an entirely new set of possibilities for those more experimentally inclined. This is an exciting thing for many Birds, and now, as always, they encourage this development of new methods—but even so they retain a certain scorn for any tactic not focused on the ground and trees. This might change in the future, but with such abundant prey there’s really no need for the clan the extend their diet, and therefore no need for Birds to extend their range.
Note: This page is heavily based on the Warriors books, and was put together using a variety of online sources. That said, the tactics listed under Branch Hunting and Tree Hunting are unique to TCE.
Over time, the combination of the Four’s original techniques, and generations of experimentation, led to the development of entirely new forms of hunting. Branch came first, and is well established within the clan, but more recently Tree hunting has been added to the arsenal, further expanding the hunter’s reach, and opening an entirely new set of possibilities for those more experimentally inclined. This is an exciting thing for many Birds, and now, as always, they encourage this development of new methods—but even so they retain a certain scorn for any tactic not focused on the ground and trees. This might change in the future, but with such abundant prey there’s really no need for the clan the extend their diet, and therefore no need for Birds to extend their range.
Note: This page is heavily based on the Warriors books, and was put together using a variety of online sources. That said, the tactics listed under Branch Hunting and Tree Hunting are unique to TCE.
Related Pages
General Rules
|
Hunter's Crouch
|
Notes:
Elements of the Hunter’s Crouch also act as a good base for some fighting techniques, so Boars will usually have some grasp of this technique.
Stalk & Pounce
|
Stalk & Pounce
|
Chasing
|
Notes:
All cats may be given the chance to try this, if the opportunity arises, but only the fastest will succeed. As a result, it’s virtually unheard of for full-Boars to catch a rabbit (although some Borderlines may succeed).
‘Fishing’
|
Notes:
Boars are not taught this technique.
Birds of all speciality may be given some rudimentary training in this technique, but it’s primarily taught to young Branch/Tree hunters, before they begin hunting within trees. Acts as an early ambush training exercise.
Birds of all speciality may be given some rudimentary training in this technique, but it’s primarily taught to young Branch/Tree hunters, before they begin hunting within trees. Acts as an early ambush training exercise.
Note that these techniques are taught to (and used by) both Branch and Tree Hunters, but never to Ground Hunters. Both of these techniques must be mastered before Tree Hunters can move on to more advanced training.
Treetop Ambush
|
Notes:
Taught to all Branch and Tree Hunters relatively early in apprenticeship, though not until they’ve demonstrated their patience through Rabbit/Hare Fishing.
Frequently paired with other tree-based hunting techniques, and also often adapted for ground use.
Frequently paired with other tree-based hunting techniques, and also often adapted for ground use.
Branch Pounce
|
Notes:
Only taught to older Branch/Tree Hunters who have a proven sense of balance and depth perception.
Initially practiced on the ground / very low branches, and slowly moved upwards as apprentice’s skill improves.
Initially practiced on the ground / very low branches, and slowly moved upwards as apprentice’s skill improves.
Stalk & Pounce
|
Bird Leap
|
Notes:
Boars are not taught this technique.
Most Birds are shown this, but only the lightest/most agile amongst them are expected to master it.
Borderlines are often assumed incapable of pulling this technique off, and as such many Borderline Birds are either never shown the technique, or given only ridumentary training in its use.
Most Birds are shown this, but only the lightest/most agile amongst them are expected to master it.
Borderlines are often assumed incapable of pulling this technique off, and as such many Borderline Birds are either never shown the technique, or given only ridumentary training in its use.
Stalk & Pounce
|
Stalk & Pounce
|
Trunk Block
For use when squirrels run for the nearest tree.
|
Notes:
Boars are not taught this technique.
Most Birds are given some rudimentary training in this, but Ground hunters rarely master the skill, and Branch hunter success rates are highly variable. Only Tree hunters consistently pull it off.
Should not be taught to younger apprentices.)
Most Birds are given some rudimentary training in this, but Ground hunters rarely master the skill, and Branch hunter success rates are highly variable. Only Tree hunters consistently pull it off.
Should not be taught to younger apprentices.)
Note that these techniques are only taught to (and used by) Tree Hunters, and then only after the cat has proved themselves to their mentor.
Squirrel Leap
|
Notes:
Only taught to older Tree Hunting apprentices who have developed excellent balance, depth perception, and awareness of their own limitations, and who have demonstrated skill with the Squirrel Chase.
Early training occurs virtually at ground level, and places high emphasis on learning which jumps are too far or difficult for the individual cat to pull off.
Most Tree Hunters are only capable of short leaps, but a small group (including its founder) have consistently pulled off jumps of a couple of tail lengths – hence the technique’s name.
Early training occurs virtually at ground level, and places high emphasis on learning which jumps are too far or difficult for the individual cat to pull off.
Most Tree Hunters are only capable of short leaps, but a small group (including its founder) have consistently pulled off jumps of a couple of tail lengths – hence the technique’s name.
Treetop Bird Leap
|
Notes:
Only taught to older Tree Hunting apprentices who have already demonstrated skill with the Branch Pounce, Squirrel Leap, and normal Bird Leap, and been actively hunting within the trees for a couple of moons.
Initially trained either without prey or using large non-prey targets, and as close to the ground as possible.
Apprentices of all ages are forbidden from attempting this technique alone or in a true hunt until their mentor gives them the go-ahead.
Possibly the most dangerous technique in the Tree Hunter’s repertoire, and is known to have caused many deaths.
Initially trained either without prey or using large non-prey targets, and as close to the ground as possible.
Apprentices of all ages are forbidden from attempting this technique alone or in a true hunt until their mentor gives them the go-ahead.
Possibly the most dangerous technique in the Tree Hunter’s repertoire, and is known to have caused many deaths.
Shoutbox
Shoutbox quiet? We may be using our Discord - but feel free to post here too!
TDH Staff: Thanks! A recent admin helped with everything. Although, she had to step down bc of the pressure.
Feb 28, 2020 21:21:46 GMT
Greymuzzles: Shame she had to step down - but goes that way sometimes. Being staff can be pretty hard work
Feb 29, 2020 8:49:16 GMT
Plaid: On behalf of the Aurea Region forum, our sincerest apologies if you had been unable to access our advertising board earlier today. We have amended the issue and are very sorry for any rules adverts coming from our site broke.
Mar 20, 2020 21:34:41 GMT
Greymuzzles: I didn't have time to look into link backs yesterday, so I wasn't aware of the issue--but thank you for taking the time to pop back in here and let us know there was a problem/apologise for the advertising rule breach it caused!
Mar 21, 2020 9:13:49 GMT
Guestie: Hi! Do you guys have a discord?
Mar 27, 2020 22:56:05 GMT
Greymuzzles: Hi there! We do have a discord, and we give access to it as soon as a new member posts their first profile (doesn't have to be complete!) and sends our 'secret code' to show us they've read the site rules
Mar 28, 2020 8:51:45 GMT
lynx: Hello, is this site still active?
Apr 7, 2020 17:34:19 GMT
Greymuzzles: Hi Lynx! We tend to move at a slower pace than some sites, since most of us are wrapped up with life, but we're definitely still kicking!
Apr 8, 2020 9:26:55 GMT
kiwi: Whoops, I didn't mean to send that here. Hello Jas! Nice to meet you.
Apr 24, 2021 23:49:14 GMT
kiwi: Hello everyone! Hope y'all are having a lovely ending to your April! Who's excited for Summer?
Apr 25, 2021 8:45:50 GMT
Greymuzzles: I know I [mostly] am! It'll be nice to have the sun/warmth around more consistently XD
Apr 25, 2021 13:11:34 GMT
kiwi: I agree! I am looking forward to getting out and riding my bicycle in the warm air. We have so many parks where I'm living right now, it'll be a real treat.
Apr 26, 2021 1:15:00 GMT
Greymuzzles: Welcome Neonsparks and Goldenboy! We're very happy to have you here~
Apr 26, 2021 17:56:12 GMT
Greymuzzles: And cycling to parks sounds a great way to spend a summer day, Kiwi!
Apr 26, 2021 17:56:28 GMT
kiwi: Where I currently live, I have three parks within a five minute walking distance, and two of those have extensive biking / walking trails. It will be a LOVELY way to spend my summer. Just hoping the weather warms up sooner than later.
Apr 26, 2021 21:16:59 GMT
Greymuzzles: Sorry Kiwi - I missed your last message somehow. That sounds like a wonderful place to live, though! Haven for a cyclist/hiker~
Apr 28, 2021 18:54:48 GMT